A SENIOR councillor has called on the emergency services to use their sirens less often in Bradford city centre, saying their frequent blaring makes it seem like a “city gripped by lawlessness”.

But the unusual request, by the Conservative group’s deputy leader Councillor John Pennington, has been branded “astonishing” by the Fire Brigades Union.

Cllr Pennington is set to bring up the matter at the next meeting of the Full Council, on Tuesday.

He said: “I fully recognise why we have to have sirens and blue lights from a health and safety point of view, but every time I come into Bradford there isn’t just one, there’s several of them.

“I believe it gives a bad impression of almost a lawless city, which we certainly are not, and I don’t want visitors to get that impression.”

Cllr Pennington, who also runs a nightspot in Keighley, said he would like to see “a more sensible approach” to siren use.

But Dave Williams, secretary of the West Yorkshire Fire Brigades Union, said: “For somebody who’s got a nightclub, I find his comments astonishing, to be honest.”

Mr Williams said the use of sirens was already governed by legislation and most people would accept the sounds as commonplace in any major city.

He said: “Two-tone horns are not for our benefit, to get our adrenaline flowing. I despair. I struggle to understand his arguments.

“Basically, what he’s asking to do is put people at risk.

“You would be surprised how many people do not see a fire engine, let alone an ambulance, first-responding medic or police car, in their rear view mirror.”

Nick Smart, chairman of the West Yorkshire Police Federation, said: “If you go to any metropolitan city it’s awash with sirens because it’s a big city and people need our help, now more than ever.

“We are certainly not going to be advising officers to turn their blue lights or their two-tones off because that increases the risk to the public when we are responding to emergencies and puts officers at greater risk when they are driving.”

A spokesman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: “As a service we are under a duty to attend emergencies as quickly as possible. We are also under a duty to ensure that our ambulances arrive at these emergencies as safely as possible and that members of the public are fully aware that an ambulance is approaching at speed.

“Using our sirens and other devices is an important aspect of safe driving under emergency conditions.

“We believe that having sirens on at all times when responding to an emergency call is the most appropriate approach to ensure public safety, and is consistent with the service’s legal duties.”

And Councillor Abdul Jabar, Labour's executive member for community safety, said: “I’m sure anyone who’s been rushed to hospital in an ambulance or helped by the police or fire brigade using their sirens will have been very grateful for these vital public services.

"The sirens of course can also make it safer for pedestrians and other vehicles.

"I’m sure they’re trained to take sensible judgements on when to use them but keeping everyone safe has to be the main concern.”

West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson, were all approached for comment.

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