IT IS an issue plaguing the county, with many drivers oblivious to the issues they could be causing.

Following months of campaigns, articles and incidents, firefighters in Romsey have made a further plea for motorists to head the warnings, or face hindering potentially life-threatening situation.

Firefighters say many drivers in the town constantly disregard signs and warnings when travelling along Alma Road, and even the repainting of the junction earlier this year has done nothing to resolve the issue.

They add the main problem comes during rush hour, as drivers exit the town via Winchester Road and Southampton Road.

Battling traffic lights at Alma Road’s junction to The Hundred, motorists queue through the prohibited zone – which is an offence under the Highway Code.

Antony Hurle, watch manager at Romsey Fire Station, says he is getting tired of constantly asking motorists to not stop in the box.

“It always seems that the drivers are going about their business and just do not realise about the fact they could be stopping time-sensitive incidents,” added Antony.

“We are concerned about it as it could one day cost a life.

“We have tried to educate the public about the issues they are and could be causing; there is only so much we can do.

“Our priority is to protect life.”

He added: “The issue is happening every day.

“It seems like drivers just are not thinking about what they are doing. It only takes a moment to check.

“However, we do want to thank those people that are heeding the rules.”

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service are currently trying to tackle the problem with the I Need My Space campaign.

The campaign was launched in November last year after fire chiefs voiced their concern at the number of incidents in which motorists hinder emergency service vehicles with erratic driving and poor parking.

As previously reported, calls to motorists had also been made last year by the Alma Road station, which has witnessed a huge increase in the volume of traffic passing it over the last five decades.

The fire station is staffed by 25 retained firefighters who hold full-time jobs in other careers but are expected to respond to emergencies as quickly as possible.

This involves arriving at the station from their place of work within five minutes of an emergency call, setting out in the engine and arriving at their destination within eight minutes.