Drivers are still trying their luck by crossing ford
DRIVERS have once again been trying their luck crossing a deep ford across a country lane near Earl Shilton.
The treacherous waters across Watery Gate Lane have claimed many victims, with fire crews often called out to rescue cars that have got stuck.
Gates were installed at both sides of the ford last year to bar off the route when the waters are too high to be passable
They have now been opened as they are deemed to be low enough to be traversable by some vehicles.
Videographer Ben Gregory captured several small cars struggling to wade across.
Flood responder Ben Nandrame said: “Watery Gate Ford Gate, Thurlaston is currently open.
“The level is two feet and passable for argiculture and farming vehicles, and modified 4x4s. Passable with due care and attention.
“If you are unsure of your vehicle wading depth or have a low air intake, please use alternative routes.”
The £65,000 gates were vandalised in January 2021 by drivers trying to drive past the ford.
Since 2014, more than 20 cars have been involved in rescues from the dangerous waters.
Prior to the gates being installed, the road was often closed during periods of wet weather, with some drivers ignoring the signs and getting stuck anyway.
The area around the waterway as well as Pingle Lane, Stanton Lane and Thurlaston Lane has been identified by the Environment Agency as at risk from surface water flooding.
Water levels in the ford on Watery Gate Lane typically increase the period December to
The level is two feet and passable for agriculture and farming vehicles, and modified 4x4s. Passable with care and attention. Ben Nandrame
during
March.
It has been recorded that there are increasingly more instances of high water levels during this period but also an increasing number of high water level instances outside of the typical December to March period.
The ford crossing is particularly dangerous as two currents meet there, which can easily spin a car around.