MOTORISTS who stop on double yellow lines to use a cash point were today warned they are holding up fire engines en route to local emergencies.

And police warned they will take severe action if drivers continued stopping outside the TSB cash point on the corner of St Aidan's Avenue, Mill Hill. There has been a problem for a number of years, but the delay of a fire engine earlier this month has heightened concern.

There was not enough space for it to pass through St Aidan's Avenue and it stopped for several minutes while the drivers who had parked on the double yellow lines were found.

On this occasion, the delay did not have any serious repercussions as it was a minor fire. Next time, said firefighters, the engine could be on its way to a life-threatening situation.

Now PC Richard Sanderson, community beat manager for the area, has devised several steps of action in a bid to stamp out the practice.

Initially, he will just warn motorists and place some police cones along the area. If that is unsuccessful, fines will be issued.

As a last resort, the road could be made one way if motorists continue to flout the law.

PC Sanderson said: "I think a lot of people seem to think that they will only be two minutes and that will be okay.

"If emergency vehicles cannot get through, those two minutes may be life and death."

Station officer Aidan Fortune, of Blackburn fire service, said: "This is an increasing problem and could cost lives and cause more damage to property.

"Someone who has gone to the bank and parked on double yellow lines could find that it was their house on fire."

The incident also prompted the owner of Gregory Audio Visual, to write to Blackburn MP Jack Straw for help in solving the situation.

He and other businesspeople in New Chapel Street also claim the illegal parking blocks their goods entrances.