Shepton Mallet Fire Station has issued a warning to motorists after repeated incidents of vehicles blocking access and designated parking spaces.

Despite clear signage, road markings, and the presence of an operational fire station, non-fire service vehicles continue to park in areas reserved for emergency responders.

A spokesperson for the station said: "While it may sometimes appear that these spaces are unused, when they are needed, it is imperative they are available. We have up to 15 firefighters responding when our alerters sound, and all need space to park quickly and safely."

Parking obstructions can delay emergency response times, potentially affecting how quickly crews can attend life-threatening incidents. Firefighters have emphasised that even a short delay in reaching an emergency could have catastrophic consequences.

Residents and visitors are urged to respect the designated spaces and ensure fire crews can access the station without disruption.

The station added: "We could be on our way to help you or your loved ones. Please do not block access or station parking."