HEREFORD and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has reiterated its warning to motorists to take notice of the wig wag lights outside the town’s fire station.
The brigade tweeted a warning to drivers this week and pinned it to its Twitter page in a bid to get more drivers to think twice about taking risks when the lights are illuminated.
It stated drivers were not only risking their own safety but that of the firefighters, as well as ‘slowing down crews’ heading to emergency situations.
We reported earlier this year that a campaign had been launched in a bid to highlight the issue, along with a special operation with West Mercia Police in a bid to convince motorists not to ignore the warning lights.
The wig wag light system is designed to bring vehicles on the road outside the station to a halt which allows fire appliances to make a safe exit onto the road.
Fire engines have to wait on the station forecourt for drivers who have ignored the warning lights to drive by, slowing down the response times for an emergency call-out.
An amber light warns of impending activity and two flashing red lights mean that all vehicles should stop.
Over the last five years, there have been an average of more than 900 call outs each year from Droitwich Fire Station and if the lights are ignored, each one could be a potential hazard.
And when Sgt Sarah Kent joined Droitwich Station Commander Gareth Clarke at the fire station in March for a ‘mock-up’ test to see what drivers’ reactions would be, one drove straight through ignoring the warnings.
Sgt Sarah Kent (Safer Neighbourhood Team) and Droitwich Fire Station Commander Gareth Clarke during the operation. Picture by Marcus Mingins 0918012MMR www.buyphotos247.com
It seems those kind of actions are continuing – prompting the tweet from the fire service.
Motorists caught failing to follow the system will face a fine, points on their licence, a court appearance or being required to take a training course.
