Coatguard's plea after inconsiderate parking blocks routes along Northumberland coast

The teams from Howick, Seahouses and Amble reported busy weekends as people headed to the shores of the county to enjoy the beaches and walks.

Howick’s team said Craster’s car park was full by 11am and noted it was busier than it normally would be at this time of year.

A spokesperson for the team, which spent the weekend patrolling from Boulmer to Bamburgh, said: “Unfortunately we did witness some quite inconsiderate parking in places.

"In some areas it would have been impossible to gain access with an ambulance or other emergency vehicles and this causes us concern.

"In an emergency, we need to gain access to the incident scene as quickly as possible.

"This also involves carrying a substantial amount of equipment so the closer we can get the quicker we are.

"Inconsiderate parking slows us down and could, quite simply, cost a life.

"Please, please, please think about where you are parking and ask yourself ‘If I park here can an emergency vehicle still get through’.

"If the answer is no then please find an alternative parking space

"Other than a few other minor issues it was great to see the majority of visitors enjoying the coast in a sensible, considerate and safe manner.

"Please continue to use the coast in a safe manner. We will be out patrolling regularly so give us a wave or come and have a chat with us - socially distanced naturally.”

The Seahouses crew checked from Budle Bay to Beadnell, and also spotted some parking issues as they visited various locations, while the Amble team also noted some parking issues as it patrolled the coastline from Alnmouth to Cresswell, with the beaches along that stretch also busy.

If anyone is spotted in trouble on the coast or sea, the teams say to, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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