Firefighters responding to a callout were unable to get past a school due to inconsiderate parking.

It's prompted a plea from the fire service for drivers to think before they park.

Crews from Sherborne were responding to a call earlier today when they found themselves unable to get a fire engine down Lenthay Road.

Cars were parked on either side of the road outside Sherborne Abbey Primary School.

A spokesman for Sherborne Fire Station said: "Luckily, this was not an emergency call, but does highlight the need to think about parking - especially at school pick up time.

"Every second counts when attending an emergency."

Advice from the fire service is to:

  • Pull in your wing mirrors (don’t forget to flip them out before driving off)
  • Don’t park too close to corners, fire engines are larger than cars and need more room to turn
  • If you’re parking opposite someone, remember that a fire engine needs three metres, or two car widths, to pass safely
  • Make sure your wheels are straight and not sticking out
  • Park as close to the kerb as you can
  • Always follow the Highway Code and obey the road markings such as yellow lines and box junctions
  • In narrow streets, only park on one side of the road where possible
  • Make sure you leave enough space for pedestrians on the pavement
  • Don’t block driveways

The fire service has the power to do anything it reasonably believes necessary to prevent or extinguish a fire.

Firefighters can, when necessary, enter a premises by force, without the consent of the owner or occupier, or move or break into a vehicle without the consent of its owner.