POOR parking is risking people's lives in Halstead, according to the driver of a fire engine.

Liam George, 25, a retained driver at Halstead Fire Station, in Parsonage Street, said people double parking is a constant problem for fire engines trying to get to emergency calls.

He said the worst roads included Kings Road, Stansted Road, Morley Road and Parsonage Street.

"It can be a nightmare just getting out of the station sometimes," Mr George, who was a firefighter in Sible Hedingham for three years before qualifying three years ago as a driver and moving to Kings Road, Halstead.

"There are people double parking and parking on tight corners.

"The trouble is if you are going to a big fire and you can't get through, you have to turn around so it takes longer to get there.

"People are playing with other people's lives with their parking.

"A lot of people don't realise how big a fire engine is - it is classed as a light goods vehicle so it is like a small lorry.

"We have to get down whatever road we have to get down as quickly as possible."

He added that he believed it was a myth that fire engines could ram vehicles parked inconsiderately out of the way, as it was not something that he had been told he could do, but added that if it came to it, they might be forced to.

He added that he wasn't sure what the solution to the issue should be as ticketing every car would be a difficult task, but he asked for people to think before they park.

"It is really frustrating when you can't get through," Mr George, who is also a self-employed painter and decorator, added.

"I have nearly clipped a couple of cars before, because it gets so tight.

"I understand that people want to park right outside their house, but they don't think about the impact.

"Even ambulances are bigger than cars and might struggle to get past.

"The way some people park is stupid - it's just about common sense and thinking more than anything."