Improving access for emergency services
Emergency services will soon be able to respond more quickly in Cambridge, with a plan to formalise parking on Fort Street to clear the way for ambulances approved yesterday.
The initiative, led by ambulance services provider Hato Hone St John, aims to ensure emergency vehicles can respond swiftly and safely by addressing long-standing access issues caused by informal parking on the narrow street.
"We welcome the move to improve access for emergency vehicles travelling down Fort Street and are grateful the council has listened to our concerns," says Craig Scott, Hato Hone St John Area Operations Manager.
"There is high demand on our services, and the changes, including yellow no-stopping lines, means ambulance staff can safely respond to emergencies in a timely way.
"This is a positive way forward for the community and us as an emergency service."
To help address these concerns, council staff came up with a proposal to formalise approximately 40 parking spaces, both parallel and angled, along Fort Street. It also includes alternating yellow no-stopping lines along part of the road to clear the way for emergency vehicles.
Council reached out to local Fort Street residents and businesses for feedback on its draft plan in March. Locals also had the opportunity to hear more about the plan and ask questions at a meeting hosted by Hato Hone St John and Waipā District Council.
Most of the feedback supported the proposal and recognised that though the solution isn’t perfect for everyone, it was important to make it easier for emergency vehicles to get through the street. Community feedback helped further shape the plan that was signed off at the Service Delivery Committee meeting this week.
Transportation Manager Bryan Hudson said the aim is to ensure ambulances can respond quickly and safely to emergencies while also maintaining enough parking for residents and visitors, with community safety the top priority.
"We were focused on finding solutions that worked for the local businesses, benefited the community, and made sure emergency services have clear access when every second counts.”
