Motorists urged to drive considerately during floods

News from our partners Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia and Warwickshire

With many roads across the region still closed due to flooding, the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia and Warwickshire is reminding motorists to drive considerately and take heed of any road closure signs in place.  

This week has been extremely challenging for many motorists and, with more bad weather on the way, isn’t likely to get any easier over the next couple of days.  Although road closures are still in place in some areas, there have been a number of reports of drivers moving road closure signs or ignoring them completely and driving through floodwater, which is having a knock-on effect on properties already affected by floodwater.

Anna Higgins from the Safer Roads Partnership said:

“Although the flooding has caused disruption on the roads for many motorists this week, we’re encouraged that the majority have been following safety advice and are taking extra care on their journey.  However, there are unfortunately a number of selfish drivers who aren’t considering how their actions are affecting other people.

“If you come across a road closure sign on your journey, do not ignore it.  Not only it is highly dangerous to yourself and other road users, but there have been incidents where bow waves are being created by motorists driving through flooded roads, which are then going into neighbouring properties which are already affected by the flooding.

“We’ve all seen the devastating impact that flooding can have on properties and local residents living in them, and we would urge motorists to show some consideration in these severe conditions and think about their actions before trying to take dangerous shortcuts.

“Additionally, motorists should not move road closure signs.  Not only is this highly irresponsible, it’s also an offence.

“As always, we would encourage motorists to stay alert to local news and weather reports for details of road closures, and visit the Environment Agency website (www.environment-agency.gov.uk) for the latest flood information.  If your local area is experiencing flooding it’s advisable to leave any non essential travel until it has subsided.”

Further information:

The Safer Roads Partnership is part of West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police, and  works in partnership with the four local highway authorities in West Mercia (Shropshire Council, Herefordshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council and Worcestershire County Council); Warwickshire County Council, the Highways Agency; HM Courts Service – West Mercia; Fire & Rescue Services for Hereford & Worcester, Shropshire and Warwickshire; and West Mercia Cluster of Primary Care Trusts.

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