West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, in collaboration with West Sussex County Council’s Highways department, has recently installed new road signage outside their brand new Training Centre and Horsham Fire Station. The aim is to enhance road safety and ensure the efficient and timely response of emergency services.
The installation includes wig-wag signalling devices on the slip road connecting to the A24 dual carriageway. These devices, commonly used at level crossings, consist of two red lights and an amber light arranged in a triangular formation. The wig-wags will enable fire engines to safely enter the dual carriageway when responding to emergency calls.
Officials are urging all road users to obey the signalling devices and strictly adhere to their instructions, especially when the red lights are flashing. Matt Davey, Assistant Director of Highways, Transport, and Planning at West Sussex County Council, emphasized the importance of understanding the meaning of the lights. He explained, “When an amber light flashes, this is a warning of impending activity. When two red lights flash, all vehicles should stop and allow fire engines to depart the station safely.”
To further enhance safety measures, additional stop signs are being installed in the vicinity. However, drivers are reminded to remain vigilant and familiarize themselves with the new signage.
Roy Barraclough, Station Manager at Horsham Fire Station, highlighted the potential consequences of disregarding the stop lights. He warned, “If people don’t stop when instructed to do so, fire engines will have to wait on the forecourt until it is safe to leave, which can slow down the response time to an emergency call-out and put lives in danger.” Barraclough stressed the importance of the new signage, urging everyone in the area to comply with the instructions and prioritise the safety of all road users.
