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Flooding can be broken down into:
- rainfall, known as pluvial
- rivers and streams known as fluvial
- coastal
In addition, if water companies' services fail it can cause
mains water or sewerage to surcharge - causing local flooding.
When flooding does occur, we need to make sure that the water is
cleared quickly and effectively from roads and pavements. This can
be helped by maintaining the highway's drainage system, but when
this is not enough, we will take further measures to make sure
roads stay open and safe.
Reporting a flood
For pluvial (rainfall) flooding call us on 08458 247 800 or use
our
online fault reporting form (link opens in a
new window).
Important: If the issue is a hazard to public safety or
anything else urgent then call us immediately on 08458 247 800. Do
not use the online reporting form.
For fluvial and coastal flooding call
the Environment Agency Flood Line on 0845 9881188 or go to
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
for flood alert levels and the most current information.
Why flooding on the highways occurs
Flooding occurs when the amount of water arriving on the road is
greater than the capacity of the drainage facilities that would
usually take it away. Flooding is most likely to occur:
- during periods of exceptional rainfall
- when a road is in a low lying area
- when there are changes in 'run off' from adjacent fields
- when nearby rivers have overflown
Drainage grills and gratings can become blocked very quickly
when material such as mud is left on the road or when there is a
heavy fall of leaves.
Pluvial flooding happens with very little notice and will usually
be confined to a small area.
Policies regarding water from other rivers or private land
- If water has not been caused by rainfall on the highway, it is
not automatically our responsibility to clear it.
- There is no duty on us (the highway authority) to deal with
surface water run-off from land next to the road.
- We have the power to enforce landowners, with land next to the
highway, to carry out reasonable drainage works. This is under the
Land Drainage Act 1991.
- Where there is surface water run-off from land next to the
highway, we are not automatically responsible for making sure the
highway remains open. But there is a duty to keep the highway safe
and to a suitable standard for
users.
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