Parking measures will not be fixed in a road where emergency vehicles struggle to reach, as only six residents have complained.

Residents in Nottage Crescent were warned by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service last week that poor parking delayed them reaching an incident on the estate.

Richard Caylor, who has lived on the estate since it was first built, complained to the North Essex Parking Partnership about the matter, although he was told nothing could be done until at least 80 per cent of residents in the area supported parking restrictions.

Mr Caylor, 49, said: “I strongly feel this issue needs to be addressed sooner rather than later as it is becoming extremely dangerous and an accident is just waiting to happen.

“Every so often two fire engines drive around the whole estate and I think they are doing it just to see if they can get around there, they have to take it very slowly around corners as they cant get past the cars.”

He was told a restriction request would need to be reviewed, looking at factors including public support.

Mr Caylor said: “It feels like nothing is going to be done until there is an accident. Hopefully something will get done if more people speak out.

“I respect people have to park but its the way they park, we need to make people aware of what a pain it is.”

Anthony Lavender, who lives on the estate, received the same letter after contacting the parking partnership.

Mr Lavender, 80, said: “The letter said it will take until October to be looked at as they only deal with a couple of cases a year which is ridiculous.

“We just need double lines at the bottom of the road to deter people. This is a serious problem and no body seems to want to care. we are one of the only side roads off Panfield Lane that doesn't have lines.”

A North Essex Parking Partnership spokesperson said: “We have received six complaints about the parking in Nottage Crescent, Braintree.

“Local communities wanting parking or waiting restrictions will have to demonstrate local support, including from the local Ward Councillor at the application stage, to be considered.

“The process for introducing restrictions may take many months after approval, as formal consultation has to be carried out.”