Yarra River Warrandyte: CFA, police to crack down on illegally parked cars
Swimmers parking illegally and blocking fire truck access to a popular Warrandyte watering hole have authorities hot under the collar. Now they’re cracking down on the “potentially disastrous” behaviour during this week’s heatwave.
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Illegally parked cars blocking emergency service vehicles from accessing the Yarra River will not be tolerated, police have warned.
It comes after two crucial access points to popular swimming areas along the Yarra River in the North Warrandyte area were blocked by parked cars on a total fire ban day on January 4.
North Warrandyte CFA took to social media to issue a stern warning to the public.
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“Please take notice of ‘no parking’ signs around the entrance to the parks at popular swimming spots. The signs are there so fire appliances can respond quickly to a scene without any delays. Two out of four spots we checked today are impassable by fire trucks. Appropriate authority’s (sic) have been notified.”
Police, CFA and Nillumbik Council will now work to stamp out the reckless behaviour.
Eltham Senior Sergeant Andrew Brick said patrols in the area would be ramped up ahead of and during this week’s forecast heatwave.
“The summer months bring increased activity along the river as people seek places to cool down, but access for emergency vehicles, particularly fire trucks, is severely hampered by motorists who park in designated ‘no standing’ areas,” he said.
“Restricting access for emergency vehicles has the potential for disastrous consequences, not only in the case of a fire but also assisting people who may get into difficulty swimming or even snake bites.”
Sen-Sgt Brick said police and council officers would issue on-the-spot fines of $161 to drivers who park illegally.
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