THE POLICE and fire service carried out a special operation to highlight the dangers of drivers putting themselves and crews at risk by ignoring warning lights outside the town’s fire station.
And when Sgt Sarah Kent joined Droitwich Station Commander Gareth Clarke at the fire station on Thursday for a ‘mock-up’ test to see what drivers’ reactions would be, one motorist drove straight through ignoring the warnings.
The wig wag light system is at stopping traffic so fire engines can get out safely onto the road.
The operation was carried out because of the number of fire crews which have found themselves having to wait on the station forecourt for drivers who have ignored the warning lights to drive by, slowing down emergency call-out response times.
An amber light warns of impending activity and two flashing red lights mean that all vehicles should stop.
Over the last five years, there have been an average of more than 900 call outs each year from Droitwich Fire Station and if the lights are ignored, each one could be a potential hazard.
Mr Clarke said drivers were putting themselves and firefighters at risk and slowing down crews attending emergencies.
“Our fire appliances have cameras on board so can capture footage of cars which neglect to stop at the lights and that could be passed on to the police.”
Sgt Kent said the traffic signals were in place for the safety of all road users.
“We want every road user to remember the lights outside a fire station should be adhered to.”
Motorists caught failing to follow the system will face a fine, points on their licence, a court appearance or being required to take a training course.
