Mudeford RNLI given parking spaces after increase in traffic

Volunteers at Mudeford RNLI have been given the spaces help have better access to the lifeboat station in emergency situations. 

Put out in time for May bank holiday, the station has said increase in traffic at Mudeford Quay had raised concerns over the crew's ability to safely reach the station when called out in an emergency. 

RNLI volunteer lifeboat operations manager, Tim Hewett, said: "We really appreciate the efforts of BCP council, particularly councillor Vikki Slade, to help us to find a solution to the problems of congestion on Mudeford Quay.

"With these changes, the crew can now get to the station safely and efficiently, to respond to any emergency situation and save lives."

The council authorised new road markings and signage to allow crew access to the station through the 'no entry' route of Mudeford Quay during emergencies. 

Four parking spaces at the entrance to Mudeford Quay have been allocated alongside the use of a layby opposite so the crew can park in periods of congestion and run to the station quickly. 

Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, said: “We work in close partnership with the RNLI all year round to help facilitate the vital service that they provide on our seafront.

“At Mudeford Quay, RNLI crew members on emergency callout were sometimes finding it difficult to get through the carpark to reach the lifeboat station quickly and safely. This was especially the case during the summer months when the carpark is extremely busy.

“As a solution, and to give them an alternative to driving through the carpark to the Lifeboat Station, we have marked out four parking bays which are reserved exclusively for RNLI use.

“This enables RNLI crew on a call-out to park easily and reach the lifeboat station on foot, even when the carpark is congested.

“We have also made improvements to the signs and markings elsewhere in the carpark to raise public awareness that RNLI crew could be attending a call out.”