People have reacted furiously after footage of a firefighter being blocked in by parents on the school run was released. 

A recent ‘mock’ emergency call which occurred outside of three busy North Tyneside schools, clearly shows that inconsiderate parking greatly impacts emergency service crews when answering blue light incidents, and could be putting lives at risk.

The Northern Echo: A firefighter kept waiting in trafficA firefighter kept waiting in traffic (Image: TWFRS)

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) has released video footage and photographs taken earlier this month during an afternoon school run. 

The film clearly shows a fire appliance from Wallsend Community Fire Station fighting its way through thoughtlessly parked vehicles on the way to attend a simulated incident.

The Northern Echo: Cars block the firefighter from getting to the 'incident'Cars block the firefighter from getting to the 'incident' (Image: TWFRS)

The footage was taken on Hailsham Avenue in Longbenton, which is used as access for Longbenton High School and the Benton Dene Schools campus.

Trevor Sturrock, Station Manager at Wallsend Community Fire Station, said: “It is very frustrating to see on a regular basis people inconsiderately parking their vehicles near school entrance zones. 

"This isn’t a problem exclusive to North Tyneside as this is something that we are witnessing across Tyne & Wear.

“As well as the safety concern for pedestrians, there is also the possibility of a Fire Appliance being delayed attending an emergency incident.  All we ask is for road users to take a moment and think about where they are parking and the potential repercussions of their actions.”

In the aftermath of the footage being released, a joint statement from senior management representatives of Benton Dene School and Benton Dene Primary School has been released.

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They said: “It was important to us to work with the fire service to highlight to parents and carers living within our school community the importance of parking considerately.

“Five schools are accessing Hailsham Avenue, which can quickly become congested during drop off and collection times.

“We hope that the recent visit from the fire service will provide a helpful reminder to everyone about ensuring emergency vehicles are always able to get through. As our schools are at the end of this busy road, this is of even more importance to us so that we may keep our children, parents, carers and staff safe.”