As firefighters across the South West start their latest 48-hour strike, Devon's fire authority is criticised for wanting to charge for attendance at road accidents.

The authority's vice chair Ian Oxley has supported the measure.

Mr Oxley said cash-strapped local authorities needed to look at all ways of saving money.

But Dave Chappel, chair of the Fire Brigades Union in Devon, said the proposal was insensitive to people injured on the road.

Garages have been making these charges since the introduction of vehicles Ian Oxley

"Firefighters seem to be condemning the Bain report for suggesting that fire authorities should charge for attendance at road traffic accidents," he said.

"Personally, I see nothing wrong with this.

"Garages have been making these charges since the introduction of vehicles and they are usually paid for by insurance companies."

Insurance rise

Mr Chappel said: "We are amazed at Mr Oxley's thinking.

"To compare the fire and rescue service to garages, which have never been run as a public service, shows a breathtaking lack of awareness.

"Has Mr Oxley not stopped to think of the moral aspect of this proposal? It's hardly a sensitive thing to do."

He added that the move would lead to an increase in motor insurance premiums.

Firefighting duties

He said it would be "in effect a stealth tax on the public".

The latest strike follows two days of talks with employers at the conciliation service Acas last week, which were aimed at resolving the dispute over pay.

About 400 Royal Navy personnel are ready to take over firefighting duties from the strikers across Devon and Cornwall.

More than 1,100 retained firefighters across the two counties will be on duty as normal.