I have to remark on the article about firefighters having to bump illegally parked cars out of the way to allow the fire engine to get to a fire in Birch Grove Crescent, Hollingbury (The Argus, January 15).

One fire officer suggested residents should call the police when they see irresponsible parking in the same way drink-drivers are outed. If that fire officer reads this - and I hope he does - I can tell him I did just that but it's a complete waste of time ringing the police.

There has been an untaxed car parked illegally with two wheels on the pavement in my street for three weeks causing an obstruction, which affects the dustmen among others.

I rang the police on Friday, January 4, about this. I was promised it would soon be moved. Two days later, I rang them again and was told it was in hand but a low-priority case. I could not believe this response. I explained about fire hazards and that blind people would collide with it, so being injured.

The police officer asked me if the police should deal with low-priority cases such as this or catch criminals. I felt like telling him they couldn't do that either.

Anyway, I told the officer to forget it and hung up. It's a pity the police don't seem to bother with these sorts of cases. They would rather persecute the legal motorists among us. As I write, the car is still there. I rest my case.

-Name and address supplied