INCONSIDERATE drivers are being warned they are putting lives at risk by blocking the access to Menston Ambulance Station.

Ambulance bosses, police, district councillors and Bradford Council highways officers met at the station on the junction of Buckle Lane and the A65 Bradford Road, to discuss how the problem can be tackled.

The meeting came after ambulance workers became increasingly concerned about being able to quickly exit the site under blue lights because of motorists entering the box junction and being unable to exit - blocking the way for emergency vehicles.

Kim Jacques who is an emergency medical technician said: "Inconsiderate motorists make it difficult for ambulances to get in and out of the station.

Their actions have the potential to endanger life."

On one day in November PC Martin Brearley monitored the situation and saw 14 offences being committed in just 20 minutes. Warning motorists on Twitter he said: "Do not enter box junction unless exit is clear. Yes, we do have real crime to deal with before you ask, but thoughtless drivers are putting lives at risk. Tickets now issued at this location."

Councillor Jackie Whiteley (Con, Wharfedale) was among those who attended the meeting at the station. She said: "The ambulance station has been experiencing difficulty getting vehicles out to answer 999 calls because inconsiderate drivers, when stopping at the traffic lights, are ignoring the keep clear signs marked on the road. This is dangerous because ambulances cannot get out quickly and this may ultimately result in loss of life. It is amazing that people don’t think it is important to keep the entrance to the station clear. The highway code instructs motorists not to enter the box if their exit is blocked.

"The police are now doing regular spot checks and motorists found breaking the law will be dealt with. The police say this is a 'moving traffic offence' and contravening the box junction is subject to a £50 non endorsable fine. A recent spot check saw seven motorists stopping in the box in 20 minutes! The police will continue with spot checks and will issue fines to motorists who break the law."

Bradford Council officers are also investigating ways to solve this serious problem.

A spokesman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust said: "We can confirm that the yellow box junction marked by criss-cross lines close to the access and egress point at Menston Ambulance Station can become blocked by traffic.

"Whilst the Trust has not raised this formally, we understand that the issue has been recently been discussed by local council officers.

"In a move to create higher awareness of the location of the ambulance station, we are looking to enhance signage at the site."