Mudeford RNLI unable to park after spaces filled by visitors

Visitors to Mudeford RNLI's fun day on August 11 were caught having left their cars in the station's designated parking spaces at Mudeford Quay which the station has warned could hinder its response to an emergency. 

Handed to Mudeford RNLI station by BCP Council, the spaces were designated after volunteers had struggled to respond to emergencies during the summer season.

A spokesperson for Mudeford RNLI said: "If the crew cannot park, they cannot launch and there is a serious possibility lives will be lost.

"Please do not park or unload in these spaces at any time. By keeping these spaces clear for the Mudeford RNLI crew you will help save lives."

Near Mudeford Green, the spaces were chosen so volunteers are able to park and run across to the station. 

Announcements were made across the day asking visitors to move their cars if they were parked in the spaces, however, at least three out of the four spaces were noted to have been parked in.

A Mudeford resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "People go to the fun day to donate to the RNLI essentially. There is a strong sense of irony. 

"It's people's lives they're dealing with. Those minutes matter as to stop someone drowning or a boat taking on water or drifting in danger. 

"There are signs printed on the tarmac and it's clearly signed on all four spaces. It's very obvious."

Muedford Quay and Green, Chichester Way and Quay car parks are known to become very congested during summer months.

In the past, this has resulted in the RNLI crew being unable to respond urgently to an incident with Chichester Way known to be blocked. 

RNLI Mudeford has warned parking in the space at any time can cause dire consequences even if it's simply dropping off paddleboards and other equipment.

Despite this, the Mudeford Fun Day has been described as a great success and raised essential funds for the lifeboat station.