REGARDING the unfortunate woman in Petts Wood (Parked Cars Block Fire Engine On Call, News Shopper, May 17) who was badly burned in a house fire in Transmere Road on May 11.
The fire engine was delayed as residents had parked leaving insufficient room for it to pass.
Even a two-minute delay to a fire engine does mean the difference between life and death.
Residents all over the country should be aware there was a similar case in another London borough but on that occasion, knowing a woman and child were at risk, the officer in charge decided to ram the cars out of the way.
About 20 cars were damaged, some with wings ripped off, so the owners took a joint court action against the fire brigade and I am glad to report they lost their case.
The judge ruled the motorists were to blame for parking inconsiderately.
I don't know who had to pay for the damage to the fire engine, presumably the taxpayer.
But it would be wonderful to think the fire brigade could have claimed for the damage from the motorists.
Each fire engine should have bumpers to push cars out the way.
ANDREW GELLNICK
Senior traffic engineer
Email address supplied
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