Take heed, not speed - motorists ignoring warnings on county's roads
The County Council continues to work closely with the Environment Agency, District Councils and the Police to help manage the severe weather and tidal events today.
Motorists are being reminded to take extra care and to avoid travelling through deep water. Also to drive more slowly in the wet conditions and be considerate to other roads users and adjacent property owners.
The Council's contractors have been working hard to address flooding on the highway, with gully cleaning equipment and drain jetting equipment to help reduce the impact of flooding but clearly where the flooding is due to exceptional high tides, this is of limited use.
Signing is being used to warn drivers of temporary road closures due to flooding or where there is a high probability of flooding that could make conditions unsafe.
The County Council has real concerns, which are shared by the Police, about drivers ignoring road closure signs and thus putting themselves and others at risk. Drivers are urged to observe signing that is put in place to protect the public using the highway.
Another concern is about the lack of consideration shown by a few people who are driving through flooded roads at speed. This inconsiderate action is causing misery to residents and businesses who have been flooded by the bow wave created or by spray caused by vehicles.
The County Council’s highway teams are on standby and ready to respond to highway issues over the next few days, when more bad weather is forecast. Working with the Environment Agency and District Councils, the authorities are co-ordinating their warning messages, their preparations for dealing with events and the clear operation.
On top of the tidal and flooding problems a thunder storm that past through Exeter has knocked out a number of traffic lights around the City. There have also been fallen trees on the highway and high winds, which have led to the closure of the sea front in Exmouth.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, the Council's Cabinet Member responsible for highways maintenance and flooding says; “People driving through flood and standing water are actually making the problem worse by creating bow waves and causing surges of water onto homes and business properties. We are asking motorists to be considerate, drive slowly and carefully and not to try and drive around road closed signs - these are put up for the public's own safety."
Public Health England is reminding people to make sure they avoid floodwater and wash their hands if they do have contact with water. It's also important to turn off electricity and gas supplies if you know your house will be flooded but not to turn them off if they are already wet, get a qualified technician to do this.
There is more advice from Public Health England here.
Current severe flood warnings and information about what to do in the event of a flood can be found on the Environment Agency website.
Around 35 residential and commercial properties have been flooded, with the worst affected locations being Lynmouth, Bideford East-the-Water, Bishops Tawton, Dartmouth and Salcombe.
Flood defences were successful in maintaining protection for large numbers of vulnerable properties across Devon’s coastal communities. However, there is remaining concern, particularly in Westward Ho!, where the works are underway to replenish the pebble ridge which was breached by last night’s storm.
Also, low temperatures are forecast for the higher ground in Devon tonight and gritters will be going out to treat roads particularly on Dartmoor and Exmoor between 5pm and 6pm tonight and again between 8pm and 10pm.
Drivers are being warned of icy conditions and urged to take extra caution.
