A FIRE commander has spoken out over “totally unacceptable” parking in Innerleithen.

Recently a large white Transit-style van was pictured parked on Miller Street with its rear sticking out almost to the road’s centre line, making it impossible for all but the smallest cars to pass.

Douglas Tait, group commander for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, asked the public “to be considerate of any potential obstruction to the emergency services”.

He said: “On the rare occasions when our crews are faced with an obstruction, they will endeavour to use all alternative routes available.”

Tweeddale East councillor Marshall Douglas said: “The poor parking as shown in the photograph is totally unacceptable, and should be immediately reported to the police whenever it occurs.

“It is constituting an obstruction which undoubtedly would affect emergency vehicles.

“Inconsiderate parking on this scale is actually a criminal offence under the road traffic acts.”