Lincolnshire County Council issues flood safety advice to motorists

After a number of incidents of flooding across the Lincolnshire area, the County Council are urging drivers not to ignore road closure signs.

The warning comes after a number of reports of motorists driving through areas affected by heavy flooding, some with water up to their headlights, despite being advised not to.

Some motorists even removed signage so they could pass the restricted area.

David Davies, Principal Maintenance Engineer at the county council, said: “We know it’s frustrating to encounter a road closure sign, especially if – to the naked eye – the way ahead looks like you could navigate it with care.

“However, we close roads for very good reasons which may not be immediately obvious, including damage to road surfaces, submerged hazards, the potential for damage to vehicles and the water’s depth.

“We’ve even seen some people removing signs to drive through flood water, which is not only putting themselves and their passengers in danger but irresponsible for any unsuspecting vehicles which may follow later.

“Please respect any road closure signs – the detour will always be worth the potential alternative.”

At present, the council’s main areas of concern are the B1184, known as The Gride, between Sibsey, Hobhole Bank to Old Leake, and the A57 Dunham Bridge.

The County Council has offered five reasons why its not safe to drive through flooded areas:

• It only takes one foot of water to float many cars, and two feet of flowing water can sweep even 4-wheel-drive vehicles away.
• Water can hide many things in the road – dips, boulders, even removed manhole covers which are prone to coming loose in floods.
• Some roads can be closed as the surface has been undermined, so even if the water doesn’t look too deep, the highway may be crumbling below you.
• Just six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars; this depth can cause water to be sucked in resulting in loss of control, stalling, damage to the brakes, electronics or transmission. Reduced air intake can also damage engines, especially diesels.
• If you’ve removed a sign to drive through a flooded road, the situation may worsen after you’ve passed, leading other unsuspecting motorists straight into it.

To report a flooded road, contact the county council on 01522 782070. Any other flooding should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60.