DRIVERS are being urged to park considerately after blocking emergency services in some parts of the Lake District.

In some cases emergency services vehicles were impeded or would have been unable to access some locations if required due to abandoned vehicles, the fire service said.

Craig Drinkald, area manager and head of community safety for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “While we understand that people want to get out and enjoy our county’s beautiful scenery, it’s important everyone does so responsibly.

“We are asking people to ensure they park in a safe and considerate way that allows access for fire appliances and other emergency vehicles.

"If you can’t guarantee this then please find a safer alternative place to park or return at a different time.

“Fire engines are approximately 2.5 metres wide.

"Therefore if you’re parking your vehicle and don’t think a van could get through the space, it’s extremely unlikely that a fire engine will either. So please keep this in mind, especially on our narrow country lanes.

“Inconsiderate parking can cause unnecessary delays, and lost minutes really can mean the difference between life and death when we are responding to a serious incident. Every road user can help to avoid this by allowing enough room for us to pass.”

Firefighters have advised people not to park too close to corners, park as close to the kerb as you can,

Do not park too close to corners, fire engines are larger than cars and need more room to turn, only park on one side of the road on narrow lanes and follow the Highway Code.