Thoughtless parking

Download the Nightmare parking leaflet (PDF 508kb, opens in a new window) Every second counts when firefighters are responding to a 999 call. Time spent trying to squeeze between parked cars could put lives at risk. 

Badly parked cars have been responsible for slowing the progress of fire crews to more than 50 blazes since 2008. At the end of July 2009 two fire appliances were severely delayed by thoughtless parking in Bath 

Follow these simple guidelines and help us get to emergencies quickly:

  • Please don't park too close to corners - fire engines are larger than cars and need more room to turn corners.
  • If you are parking opposite someone, remember that a fire engine needs at least two car widths to fit through.
  • Always follow the highway code.

A fire appliance is unable to pass a parked car in Bath - July 2009 Remember it could be you, your family, friends, colleagues or neighbours that we can't get to. Below you can find some of the streets in Bristol that fire crews identified as being among the most difficult to access because of parked cars.


Gwyn Street
, St Pauls, Bristol (BS2)
Small Street, Whitehall, Bristol (BS2)
British Road, Bedminster, Bristol (BS3)
Quantock Road, Windmill Hill, Bristol (BS3)
South Street, Bedminster, Bristol (BS3)
Agate Street, Bedminster, Bristol (BS3)
St Luke's Crescent, Totterdown, Bristol (BS3)
Pylle Hill Crescent, Totterdown (BS3)
Roman Road, Easton, Bristol (BS5)
St Mark’s Road, Easton, Bristol (BS5)
Villiers Road, Easton, Bristol (BS5)
Richmond Road, Montpellier, Bristol (BS6)
Picton Street, Montpellier, Bristol (BS6)
Royal York Crescent, Clifton, Bristol (BS8)
Joy Hill, Hotwells, Bristol (BS8)

Badly parked cars mean a fire appliance cannot get down a road You can download our leaflet on Thoughtless Parking (PDF 508kb, opens in a new window)

Escape Routes
Escape Routes
If there was a fire would you and your family know how to get out? The best way out of your home is the way you regularly come in, but make sure you have other escape routes in case it is blocked. Make sure escape routes are clear of obstacles.