DRIVERS in Droitwich are putting themselves and fire and rescue service crews at risk by ignoring warning lights outside the town’s fire station, writes Eve Watson.
The ‘wig-wag’ lights are designed to halt vehicles on the road outside the station to let fire engines to get out safely, but they sometimes have to wait on the forecourt for drivers who have ignored the warning lights.
The motorists’ actions can slow down response times which can be crucial during an emergency.
An amber light warns of impending activity and two flashing red lights mean drivers should stop.
A number of near-misses have been reported which have posed potentially dangerous consequences for firefighters, drivers and those waiting for the fire engine.
Over the last five years, there have been an average of more than 900 call-outs a year from Droitwich Fire Station.
Gareth Clarke, station commander at Droitwich Fire Station, said: “People are putting themselves and us at risk when they go through the lights on red and also slow down the fire engine.
“We are concerned one of our pumps will be driven into as it’s leaving the station and that could have serious consequences.”
Engines could also be put off the road, he added.
Mr Clarke said the engines had cameras on board which, capturing footage of drivers ignoring the signals, could be passed to the police.
Motorists breaking the rules will face a fine, points on their licence, a court appearance or be required to attend a red-light training course.
