My thanks to Cllr Dee Laws who delivered this report to the last WTC meeting.
As promised – B1040 & North Bank report delivered to Members at Full Council on Wednesday 12th February.
Firstly, I appreciate residents frustrations when B1040 Whittlesey Wash & North Bank Peterborough roads are closured during flooding events and with the Environment Agency, CCC Highways & PCC Highways are looking at improving the situation for both of these closures.
For the North Bank & B1040 closure CCC & PCC Highways Authorities investigating the cost of installing permanent electronic automated signs at various locations to advise of the closure. Currently these costs to be sent through from the Highways Authorities supply chain.
Then for both of the closures the Highways Authorities are looking to install additional flap signs to advise of the closures and this will be for both roads.
For North Bank Road – PCC are looking to install more sensors.
Joint discussions (The Environment Agency, PCC Highways & CCC Highways) are ongoing how to minimise the period of times of one or both road closures enabling the notice to be lifted between high tides, discharge of water out of the washes, taking in to account sitting water on the roads and the volume being sent down stream to be accommodated in Whittlesey Washes.
During the latest closure of the B1040 the padlocks on the flood gates were vandalised and this then creates an issue for other residents as there could be water across the road that they may not be expecting.
I noted on Facebook a posting saying the next time B1040 floodgates are closed use a disc cutter and remove the locks. The irresponsible person suggesting this course of action is encouraging criminal damage, placing drivers using B1040 and/or North Bank highways when a road closure notice has been issued facing prosecution, if vehicles are damaged by debris or flood water owners of vehicles are not insured, also placing life and the emergency services at risk.
RG Notes: – I am informed that both Cambs CC & Peterborough CC are notified of Flood Risks/Warnings at exactly the same time as myself other Councillors and those signed up to receive warnings.
It takes time for The Highways Department to act on a Road either closing or re-opening, depending on several factors, for example looking at the above picture, The EA could state that there is no longer a Flood Warning, but Highways need to clear the road(s) make sure it is safe and carry out any repairs that may be needed – this is why ‘people’ see the road signage as being closed when there is no longer a Flood Warning in effect – ‘people’ have to be patient – the authorities are very well aware of the inconvienience of the road being closed.
I and thousands of other residents are hoping for much a much better accurate flow of information – It has been promised.
©RoyGerstner (Photo’s)
