999 teams have launched a new campaign to crack down on ‘erratic driving and poor parking’ which hampers police, paramedics and firefighters tackling emergencies.

The news follows repeated warnings from emergency services in South East Cornwall about poor parking.

Firefighters in Torpoint and Lostwithiel have recently been delayed on 999 shouts.

In March, Torpoint crews were unable to get to a property because of bad parking and they have also had difficulties in Millbrook.

Earlier this month, Lostwithiel firefighters had trouble getting to a car that was on fire and tweeted: ‘This resulted in a slower attendance.’ They posted a picture of the scene on social media.

And the 999 services say some drivers are not sure what to do when they hear the sirens.

Now Cornwall Fire, Rescue and Community Safety Service, with support from South Western Ambulance Service and Devon and Cornwall Police are highlighting their campaign against bad parking and erratic driving ‘due to the number of incidents in which motorists hinder emergency service vehicles’.

And organisers say they will post photos of badly-parked vehicles on social media ‘to raise awareness and educate drivers’.

The hashtag #ThinkB4Upark is being used across social media in the UK by emergency services.

Geoff Griffin, of South Western Ambulance Service, said: ‘In a medical emergency, time is always critical. Careful driving and considerate parking can really help our paramedics to get to incidents quickly and this can make all the difference for a patient’s outcome.’

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for public protection Sue James said: ‘None of us know when we, our family or friends might need an emergency vehicle. When parking on our narrow Cornish streets please cast an eye whilst locking your car and think, can an emergency vehicle pass by?’

You can follow CornwallFRS on Twitter and Facebook, and for road safety guidance visit www.swast.nhs.uk/blue-lights-in-your-mirror