Drivers slammed as selfish after fire engine is blocked by parked cars
DRIVERS have been branded ‘selfish idiots’ after their bad parking stopped a fire engine from using a narrow country lane.
Firefighters based at Holmfirth were out on moorland fire prevention duties when they came across cars parked up on Digley Royd Lane which leads to Digley reservoir, a Holmfirth beauty spot popular with walkers.
The firefighters took a photo of their predicament and asked people via social media to think about their parking.
The fire crew called it a “new problem”, adding: “Please ensure you leave enough space for an emergency vehicle to pass. People’s lives may depend on it.”
Facebook users weren’t so polite, calling the drivers ‘selfish,’ ‘muppets’ and ‘idiots,’
However, others pointed out that the usual Yorkshire Water car parks remained closed which had added to parking problems.
One local said: “I was a witness to this. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Cars parked everywhere. Sickening.”
Another said: “So much disrespect. This shows they have no common sense.”
Dave Walton, deputy chief fire officer with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, urged drivers to enjoy the countryside in a responsible way.
“(This is) such an important message from our crew at Holmfirth,” he tweeted.
“Enjoy the countryside in a responsible, socially distanced way, but think about the need for emergency service vehicles to get past if needed.
“It’s not just us, it’s West Yorkshire Police, Yorkshire Ambulance Service and Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team as well.”
On its website Yorkshire Water says: “To help keep everyone safe, we’re closing our reservoir car parks and asking everyone not to visit for a little while - hopefully it won’t be for too long.”