A FATHER-of-two claims lives could be at risk on a new housing estate because parked cars are preventing ambulances and fire engines from getting in.
A paramedic had to get out of his ambulance and run down the street to get to Dr Rajinder Bhaker's house when his two-year-old son stopped breathing.
The boy survived the ordeal, in June last year, but Dr Bhaker, 30, said he is worried that next time the outcome could be different.
He lives in Oakland Way – part of a housing development which shares an entrance road with Bilborough College.
He said that during the day the estate is virtually cut off from the main road because students from the college park cars by the entrance. He said it is even worse at drop-off and pick-up times.
Dr Bhaker, who has lived in Oakland Way with his wife and two children for five years, said: "Something has got to change because at the moment lives are at risk.
"The ambulance was unable to access the estate and this delayed treatment which jeopardised my son's life. Luckily he was OK. But I don't know how many people in need of medical help live on this estate who could be at risk."
Dr Bhaker has contacted Notts County Council to ask for something to be done, but he says the process is slow and frustrating.
He added: "I seem to be getting nowhere."
Another resident of the estate, who wished to remain anonymous, said bins have not been emptied before because the dustbin lorry couldn't get access to the estate. The 42-year-old, of College Way said: "I am angry and annoyed at the fact that had it not been a refuse truck but a fire engine or ambulance attending an emergency they would not have been able to get access at all."
Dave Walker, district highways manager for Broxtowe and Gedling, said that the county council had twice undertaken surveys to ask householders if they wanted a residents' parking scheme, but each time the answer was no.
"However, we are planning to install single yellow lines in the affected areas which will restrict parking between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday," he said. "This involves a legal process which can take several months to complete."
He added that the process would be started next month.
A spokesperson for East Midlands Ambulance Service said: "In an emergency situation, delays can put lives at risk. For that reason, we urge all motorists to park considerately."
Bilborough College principal Chris Bradford said: "I sympathise with the frustration regarding the parking issue.
"We try to dissuade our students from bringing cars to college and remind those who do to park in a way which does not endanger anyone's safety or inconvenience local residents.
"I will be holding a meeting with students and I'm hoping this will improve matters after the Easter break."
