Councillor Proposes Gates for Flood-Prone Road to Enhance Safety

A councillor is proposing the installation of gates on a “dangerous” road to prevent drivers from accessing it during floods, thereby averting serious injuries. Councillor Sarah Hands, representing Tewkesbury Borough Council, stated that motorists frequently disregard or fail to notice the road closure signage erected on Sandhurst Lane in Longford when flooding occurs. She is urging Gloucestershire County Council to implement a gate at both extremities of the lane, which could be shut as required. Conversely, a spokesperson for the county council asserted that the existing sign constitutes the “most effective” remedy. Ms Hands reported that drivers frequently find themselves stuck on the road, with the Local Democracy Reporting Service indicating that two vehicles required rescue within the last month. Ms Hands described the proposed gates as a “common sense” measure, stating, “It seems it will only be a matter of time before somebody is seriously hurt, or worse.” Ms Hands further elaborated: “Currently there is a single fixed highway sign which is opened during flooding. The sign is in a poor state and is regularly vandalised. “Cones placed by Highways [the council] to close the road are regularly moved by the public.” She concluded, “A physical barrier is the only way to stop drivers proceeding down this dangerous route.” Tewkesbury MP Cameron Thomas has requested that the county council inspect the location. He also issued a caution that certain abandoned vehicles had been subjected to looting. Mr Thomas commented, “A barrier system seems to be a simple and cost-effective measure which would release pressure on rescue services and on our police.” A spokesperson for the county council stated that restricting access to the road during flood events would impede emergency services. “Putting a gate across a public highway has wider implications and also prevents access by emergency services,” the spokesperson remarked. They added, “We are confident that the traffic management measures currently in place make it clear that residents should not be using the lane when there is flooding.” The spokesperson concluded, “We are happy to support any work that the councillor is doing with her local community and the police, to communicate the concerns and reinforce the closures that highways put in place.” For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.