SELFISH drivers are putting the lives of neighbours at risk, fire chiefs are warning.

Cleveland Fire Brigade is appealing to residents to make a New Year resolution to park on their drives, not on the street - and help to save lives.

Not a week goes by without a crew member from one of Teesside's 15 fire stations having to pound at house doors to get cars moved off the street to allow an appliance through on its way to a 999 call.

Redcar-based Station Officer Jim Ruse said: "A couple of minutes hold up in getting to a fire can mean the difference between life and death.

"We would ask people if they have a drive - please use it. Someone could be parked over a hydrant leaving us with great difficulty in getting a continuous water supply."

Particular blackspot areas were Sandringham and Buckingham Roads, Redcar, and the narrow streets of the town centre.

Assistant Divisional officer Alan Gill also urged motorists to avoid double-parking.

"We would appeal to people to be sensible, be considerate. They are risking the lives of people in their own community," he said.