Unfortunately, this is not the first case of this kind. Another one occurred on Tuesday morning. As reported by lwowecki.info:
The Ford driver ignored the clearly visible “STRAŻ WYJAZD” sign on the gate of OSP Gryfów Śląski and blocked it with the vehicle, thereby preventing emergency vehicles from leaving.
What do you think? We invite you to join the discussion.
What does the law say?
Article 49, paragraph 2, of the Road Traffic Act:
Parking is prohibited:
1) in a place that obstructs entry or exit, particularly to or from a gate, garage, parking area or parking bay (...).
Article 90, paragraph 1, of the Code of Petty Offenses:
Anyone who obstructs or impedes traffic on a public road, in a residential zone or traffic zone is subject to a restriction of liberty or a fine.
What are the penalties for this offense?
A restriction of liberty or a fine of no less than PLN 500. The vehicle may also be towed away.
Moreover, if blocking the gate were to delay a rescue operation, and someone suffered bodily harm or died, the driver could face criminal liability (up to three years in prison).