CONCERNS have been raised that 'selfish' drivers parking on a Weymouth street could block access for emergency vehicles - as well as causing a headache for bus drivers.

Residents say bus drivers are having to squeeze past parked cars at Seven Acres Road, Preston, and are demanding action from the council.

Preston resident Emma Kellas-Kelly, who took the photo of a First number 4 bus carefully trying to squeeze past parked cars, said: "The driver shouldn’t have to deal with this. What about ambulances or fire engines?"

Another resident said: "It’s about time (the council) put yellow lines on the road. We need the bus as we don’t all have cars. These people are very selfish."

Meanwhile the fire service has urged drivers to park considerately on Seven Acres Road and said "every second counts" in an emergency.

Richard Coleman, group manager from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We know there are many narrow streets across our service area and many places where residents have no choice other than to park on the road.

"However, we do ask drivers to be mindful of the space needed by emergency vehicles when they park. Our smallest fire engines need at least three metres clearance to pass safely - poor or inconsiderate parking, even if only for a few minutes, can delay us during an emergency call and, in the case of a rapidly developing fire, every second counts.”

Preston councillor Louie O'Leary said he and fellow councillor Tony Ferrari, of the same ward, are campaigning for action to be taken.

Cllr O'Leary said: "It's clear it's an issue for the bus company - it's very annoying for the drivers and the local residents that this is happening on a regular basis.

"It's not residents causing this issue as most of the houses have driveways - the problem seems to come from local business users."

A spokesman for bus operator First Wessex said: “From time to time we experience difficulties in the area caused by cars being parked in such a way that our services are obstructed. This obviously causes delays for everyone on the bus, and we urge people to be more considerate when parking their car.”

Dorset Council confirmed the authority is in discussions with the bus operator.

A council spokesman said: "We have contacted First Bus and asked them to provide details of any problems their drivers may be having on this road. When we have this information we can begin to investigate what can be done."

The fire service wants to remind drivers of the below:

n Don’t park too close to corners - fire engines are larger than cars and need more room to turn

n If you’re parking opposite someone, remember that a fire engine needs three metres, or two car widths, to pass safely

n In narrow streets, only park on one side of the road where possible

n Park as close to the kerb as you can

n Make sure your wheels are straight and not sticking out

n Pull in your wing mirrors (don’t forget to flip them out before driving off)

n Always follow the Highway Code and obey the road markings such as yellow lines and box junctions

n Make sure you leave enough space for pedestrians on the pavement

n Don’t block driveways

More information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/are-we-getting-through