RESIDENTS of Rowhedge are ‘putting lives in danger’ by blocking emergency vehicles with their parked cars, a councillor has said.

Double yellow lines were introduced in Albion Street at the junction with the high street 12 years ago.

It was after an ambulance was blocked in by inconsiderately parked cars.

The ambulance was heading to the father of Rowhedge councillor, Mike Lilley.

Mr Lilley said the incident sparked concerns over parking in the area, yet residents are still parking at the narrow junction more than a decade on.

He is considering calling for parking tickets to be issued.

He said: “People are parking on the double yellow lines and then walking off without a care in the world.

“The fire brigade and ambulance need to get down there.

“About 12 years ago an ambulance couldn’t get through to a 999 call because of the cars.

“I know because it was my father, the ambulance crews had to go into the Albion pub and get people to move their cars.

“My dad was elderly and he had breathing problems, he had to be taken to hospital.

“We need to start ticketing people as it’s about saving lives and a couple of minutes delay makes all the difference.”

In February badly parked cars delayed firefighters attending a blaze at resident Steve Johnson’s home. Steve was rescued from his home in Albion Street by his partner and a neighbour.

But fire crews struggled to get to the address when they were called just after 9.30pm because they were blocked by two inconsiderately parked cars on the double yellow lines.

The firefighters had to knock on doors to find the owners of the vehicles and get them to move them and they were delayed by ten minutes. Steve said further delay would have meant serious trouble.

Mr Lilley added: “It’s getting to the point where it does need looking at before someone dies.”