Fire engines could be delayed

CARS parked on both sides of a busy road could block the way for fire engines answering an emergency call, worried residents fear.
Sandy Lane, Stockton Heath is a major route for fire engines and residents believe double-parked vehicles could cause a hazard.
One resident told Stockton Heath Parish Council cars obstructed pavements but still left

a gap only wide enough for one car at a time to get through.
Pamela Hutchinson said one car had been parked near her home for three weeks and another had been left in front of her house for five days.
“On Fridays at about 3pm all the cars arrive, and many are left there all weekend. As the weather gets better, more and more people leave their cars there and we are worried about accidents.”
She said the problem worsened when more people drove to the tip during the summer months.
She wondered whether residents-only parking could be introduced.
Chairman Coun Maurice Leslie said unless the cars were parked illegally or causing an obstruction there was not much that could be done.
Similar parking problems occurred elsewhere in Stockton Heath and in other parishes. Complaints had been made to the borough council, but they were reluctant to take action.
Coun Peter Walker agreed with residents that there were problems getting out of Sandy Lane onto London Road.
Members agreed to report all complaints to the borough council and to ask if existing double yellow lines in Sandy Lane could be extended.