Furious neighbours living in a city suburb say the number of cars parking in their street has become dangerous after a fire engine racing to a house fire became stuck.
One person who lives in West End Street, Heigham, said the fire crew was held up for two to three minutes trying to get to the nearby blaze.
The fire on the roof of a home in Nelson Street was put out by firefighters when they finally managed to get to the site.
But locals say this is not the first time emergency vehicles have become stuck as an ambulance previously wasn’t able to get down the road.
Councillors have also raised concerns about dangerous parking in the street, with Green party councillor for Wensum ward, Toby Bolton, calling on the police to “enforce the law where necessary to keep people safe”.
‘A CHILD COULD GET HIT’
Wull Aruthven, 62, has lived in West End Street for six years and watched as the events unfolded on Wednesday morning.
"For two or three minutes they were stuck," he said.
"The crew had to get out and go each side to direct the engine through.
"It is an ongoing problem. It is really hard to drive around here because of how people park.
"I have been complaining to the council and police for six years now but nothing has been done.”
He fears that the illegal parking may lead to a serious accident.
"I have grandkids that play in the park opposite me.
"I have been saying it will take an ambulance or fire engine getting stuck, or worse a kid getting hit by a car before something happens.
"I worry about kids running out between the cars or someone pushing a buggy being in danger and getting hit."
‘THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM’
"It happened before with an ambulance that couldn't get down the street," explained one homeowner who lives in West End Street.
"You would think it is common sense - you just don't park on both sides of the road.
"I've lived here for a few years and it has been an issue that whole time.”
Another neighbour, who has lived in West End Street for 16 years, added: "People used to get parking tickets for parking on both sides of the road, but that stopped several years ago.
"Most people around here have more than one car per household.
"It's a sign of the times."
One local who has lived in the street for more than 30 years said: "We've been wanting double yellow lines down the road and permit parking for many years.
"Currently, there is nothing to stop people from parking where they want, and it is a major problem."
"People used to get parking tickets for parking on both sides of the road, but that stopped several years ago," said another, who has lived in West End Street for 16 years.
"Most people around here have more than one car per household.
"It's a sign of the times."
One local who has lived in the street for more than 30 years said: "We've been wanting double yellow lines down the road and permit parking for many years.
"Currently, there is nothing to stop people from parking where they want, and it is a major problem."
WHAT DO COUNCILLORS SAY?
Green party councillor for Wensum ward, Toby Bolton, said: "Antisocial parking can prove dangerous when emergency services are delayed in attending incidents like fires.
"It also means that vulnerable people such as children, the elderly and those with disabilities end up not being able to use pavements, and puts drivers at risk of collisions when junctions are obstructed.
"Antisocial parking that obstructs emergency services, pavement users and motorists is the responsibility of the police.
"It is essential that officers take these responsibilities seriously and enforce the law where necessary to keep residents safe."
Dr Kevin Maguire, Labour councillor for the Wensum ward, explained that there is a "lot of confusion and mess" because City Hall no longer controls Norwich's transport or highways.
"The parking enforcement officers are directed from Kings Lynn," he explained.
"When this issue was raised in the local area before we explored the idea of permit parking.
"Some were in favour of parking permits, and some were against.
"There is a long history of people having issues in the area but we do not have much of a say in these matters.
"This double parking problem can be dangerous and we would like to solve the problems.
"Things could be solved if Norfolk County Council, who are in charge of the roads and parking, chooses to act."
WHO NEEDS TO SORT THIS OUT?
Blame has been levelled by the councillors at both the police and Norfolk County Council for the dangerous parking.
According to the Norfolk Constabulary website, the responsibility of managing illegal parking is divided between both the police and the local council.
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Police said: "We would always encourage members of the public to report illegal parking to us.
"Illegal parking includes if the vehicle is parked on zig-zag lines, dangerously, or in a way that would prevent emergency vehicles from accessing the road."
Other illegal parking, including over a dropped kerb, on a pedestrian crossing (including the area marked by the zig-zag lines), in spaces reserved for Blue Badge holders, residents or motorbikes (unless entitled to do so), in marked taxi bays, cycle lanes or red lines or near a school entrance, bus or tram stop should be reported to Norfolk City Council.
A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council said: "Finding a parking spot on narrow streets can be challenging but it is essential that residents leave enough space for emergency vehicles, failing to do so is illegal.
"If residents are in any doubt that they have left enough space they should find an alternative parking spot.
"The introduction of further parking restrictions would require the support of the local community, and the need to park considerately would remain."
Scott Norman, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, added: "Every second counts in an emergency so we could ask residents to park considerately at all times.
"If there is not enough room for a fire engine to pass through, this could delay our response. We are really grateful for the public’s support with this to ensure we can arrive at emergencies as quickly as possible."
A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council also commented on the ongoing issues in the area: "We are aware of the incident at Nelson Street early this morning.
"Emergency services arrived promptly, and we are pleased to hear that no one was injured.
"We have a good relationship with our colleagues in the emergency services and if there were concerns regarding access, we would be having those discussions."
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