closing road to emergency services

user1977

wilfred30 said:

I would imagine that contingency plans are already in place not only for ambulances but fire engines as well.

Indeed. And they're all used to dealing with emergencies taking place nowhere near a passable road. 

canaldumidi

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Section62

user1977 said:

wilfred30 said:

I would imagine that contingency plans are already in place not only for ambulances but fire engines as well.

Indeed. And they're all used to dealing with emergencies taking place nowhere near a passable road. 

In the OP's situation I wouldn't want to make that assumption.

There's a difference between the emergency services being dispatched to a location which they would expect to be inaccessible, and finding a location to be inaccessible when someone gets there.  This is why highway authorities are supposed to liaise particularly closely with the emergency services when unusual closures or works are planned.  There are systems in place to manage the flow of information automatically, but again in the OP's sitution I would not want to rely on that happening.

Having a road which is the only means of access to properties closed to all vehicular traffic outside normal working hours is sufficiently unusual and high risk that it should have special planning. That should include checking with residents to see if plans need to be put in place for emergency access and/or alternative arrangements.  That the OP has only had a notification letter would be a concern if I was in their position.

I'd suggest their next step should be to contact the council concerned to find out exactly what has been planned. If that didn't fill me with confidence I'd contact the ambulance service directly using a non-emergency number to make sure they are aware of the situation both with the closure, and with Mr BB's health condition. The ambulance service may just make a note of the information, or could use it to ensure an appropriate response plan is in place (e.g. having a motorcycle paramedic on duty overnight in the area)

babyblade41

Grumpy_chap said:

Only 4 houses, so how long is the closes road?
Not asking to diminish the importance of only 4 households, everyone is equally important.  Asking as if it's only a short way, an ambulance or other emergency response would simply walk that final few steps.  Pedestrian access will be maintained, I'm sure.

It's down for 7 working days and  it's a bumpy single track no through road , you could walk in single file but that's about it really .

babyblade41

I did speak to someone and they say they have emergency access during the day but not at night and there is nothing we can do as it is important 

No vehicular access at anytime so no deliveries or anything , which isn't a great loss but just always concerned if we had trouble with an emergency 

Hope we never need one but with OH not in the greatest health this is always a concern 

oystercatcher

Not ideal but maybe plan a week away somewhere more accessible?

babyblade41

oystercatcher said:

Not ideal but maybe plan a week away somewhere more accessible?

Slightly difficult as we have outside animals but it's not the disruption as it's only a week but more concerned as our property won't be accessible .
`they have done this before and then postponed it 

babyblade41

Just had another thought ... what if any of the houses need a fire engine !!!

You can tell this is getting on my nerves somewhat  

googler

Call the roads dept at the council. There may be an area of the council website where the road closure order can be examined before you do. Try searching with details from the letter - application number or similar.

Express your concerns to the council and take it from there.

martindow

How far beyond the site of the works is your house?  If it is a few 10s of metres it is no different for the ambulance service than getting to houses that have access up paths, or via alleys or steps, where they have to carry equipment or patients on foot.  If you are a kilometre further up the track there could be more of a problem.