Click here for slides from previous meetings
Thankfully, the heavy rain on Friday 20th October 2023 did not cause any property flooding, but we had to close Bridge and Causeway Roads and it was a worrying day for many. The following was presented at a village flood meeting on Thursday 23rd November as a timely reminder to make sure you are prepared for the coming winter.
Flooding of Causeway Road and Bridge Road
The Broughton Flood Action Group has been investigating what we can do in the event Causeway Road and/or Bridge Road floods. This is obviously distressing for drivers who drive into the flood waters and get stuck and can close the road until the vehicle is removed. Here is a summary of what we have found and what we can do.
First, what we can’t do
Cambridge Highways have confirmed that, as villagers, we should not be putting out any form of signage to warn drivers of likely flooding. This may seem wrong. However, it is because neither we nor Cambridge County Council have insurance to cover us putting out the signs, or any accidents that might result from drivers hitting the signs. This is the situation for signs in the road, as well as on the verge. Road signs have to be the official ones, and the law does not change if we produced signs ourselves.
Second, what we can do
The advice we have been given is that when the road floods significantly, or we anticipate that it will flood significantly, we should contact the Police on 101. The police will log the call and decide whether to come and officially close the road. Anyone should feel empowered to make a call, if they consider the situation warrants it. And multiple calls to 101 are not a problem. However, if you are not sure then feel free to call Dave Cobby on 07493 011907. If a vehicle gets stuck, either because the police didn’t close the road, or after ignoring closure signs, then we should again contact the emergency services (Police and/or Fire Service) for assistance. If the driver has illegally driven through the closure then they will get charged and must pay to have their vehicle towed out.
Third, looking to the future
The police must log every call, even if they decide not to act. This builds up evidence for Cambridge Highways to prioritise a more permanent solution. We are competing against other schemes for funding, and police records are the best way to build the case for lasting change. We could seek to privately fund permanent ‘Road liable to flooding’ or other signs on the three approaches to the village, but the costs could be up to a few thousand pounds.
The best way of knowing whether this course of action is going to work is for us to put their advice into action, and to call 101 the next time the road is likely to flood significantly. We are also working with Cambridge County Council to get a water level gauge installed in the brook near the old jail. This will be capable of sending alerts of rising levels to us which we can use as a prompt to check the roads. Once we establish the best way of communicating this information around the village, we can make sure we are all aware of anticipated road flooding and that calls to the police have been made.
The Broughton Flood Action Group has been investigating what we can do in the event Causeway Road and/or Bridge Road floods. This is obviously distressing for drivers who drive into the flood waters and get stuck and can close the road until the vehicle is removed. Here is a summary of what we have found and what we can do.
First, what we can’t do
Cambridge Highways have confirmed that, as villagers, we should not be putting out any form of signage to warn drivers of likely flooding. This may seem wrong. However, it is because neither we nor Cambridge County Council have insurance to cover us putting out the signs, or any accidents that might result from drivers hitting the signs. This is the situation for signs in the road, as well as on the verge. Road signs have to be the official ones, and the law does not change if we produced signs ourselves.
Second, what we can do
The advice we have been given is that when the road floods significantly, or we anticipate that it will flood significantly, we should contact the Police on 101. The police will log the call and decide whether to come and officially close the road. Anyone should feel empowered to make a call, if they consider the situation warrants it. And multiple calls to 101 are not a problem. However, if you are not sure then feel free to call Dave Cobby on 07493 011907. If a vehicle gets stuck, either because the police didn’t close the road, or after ignoring closure signs, then we should again contact the emergency services (Police and/or Fire Service) for assistance. If the driver has illegally driven through the closure then they will get charged and must pay to have their vehicle towed out.
Third, looking to the future
The police must log every call, even if they decide not to act. This builds up evidence for Cambridge Highways to prioritise a more permanent solution. We are competing against other schemes for funding, and police records are the best way to build the case for lasting change. We could seek to privately fund permanent ‘Road liable to flooding’ or other signs on the three approaches to the village, but the costs could be up to a few thousand pounds.
The best way of knowing whether this course of action is going to work is for us to put their advice into action, and to call 101 the next time the road is likely to flood significantly. We are also working with Cambridge County Council to get a water level gauge installed in the brook near the old jail. This will be capable of sending alerts of rising levels to us which we can use as a prompt to check the roads. Once we establish the best way of communicating this information around the village, we can make sure we are all aware of anticipated road flooding and that calls to the police have been made.
Signing up to the Environment Agency's Flood Warning Service
At the village flood meeting, I highlighted the Environment Agency's flood warning service. This is a free service that can provide important alerts of possible flooding. A number of people had tried to sign up but, because their property is outside the area at risk, they were unable to register online.
I've spoken to the Environment Agency who are happy for people in this situation to register by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Therefore, if you are unable to register online https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings then please do so over the phone. If you're not sure, you can simply ring Floodline.
Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Strategy https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
We have been invited to comment on the update of the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Strategy. The consultation closes on 23 Jan 2022. The strategy provides a high-level overview of types of risk in the county with details of the policy, legislation, responsibilities and resource that determine the activities and actions that take place. The Action Plan then highlights priorities for the county between now and 2027. You can read and comment on the strategy at:
https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/
Anyone can express their views directly to the council via this link. I will also be compiling a response to be agreed by the Flood Action Group, and am happy to consider points you wish to include in this. Please email [email protected].
At the village flood meeting, I highlighted the Environment Agency's flood warning service. This is a free service that can provide important alerts of possible flooding. A number of people had tried to sign up but, because their property is outside the area at risk, they were unable to register online.
I've spoken to the Environment Agency who are happy for people in this situation to register by calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. Therefore, if you are unable to register online https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings then please do so over the phone. If you're not sure, you can simply ring Floodline.
Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Strategy https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
We have been invited to comment on the update of the Cambridgeshire Flood Risk Management Strategy. The consultation closes on 23 Jan 2022. The strategy provides a high-level overview of types of risk in the county with details of the policy, legislation, responsibilities and resource that determine the activities and actions that take place. The Action Plan then highlights priorities for the county between now and 2027. You can read and comment on the strategy at:
https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/
Anyone can express their views directly to the council via this link. I will also be compiling a response to be agreed by the Flood Action Group, and am happy to consider points you wish to include in this. Please email [email protected].
David Cobby addresses the meeting
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Attendees at the first meeting 25.11.21
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Thanks to all who attended the Broughton community flood meeting on Thursday 25 November. As promised, attached here are the slides which we talked through. I hope these provide a useful reminder to those who attended of the points raised, and provide some insight for those who couldn't make it. Please continue to contact Dave Cobby ([email protected]; 07493 011907) if you would like to volunteer any help or require any information.
