We’ll rescue flood drivers, but not their cars

FIREFIGHTERS have warned drivers who risk driving into floodwaters that while crews will rescue them from their cars, they will not tow their vehicles out of the water.

The warning came this week after heavy rainfall in parts of the county last weekend led to a number of roads becoming submerged and impassable.

Despite the dangers of attempting to drive through flooded roads, a number of reports were received of motorists having done just that – and then becoming stranded.

Fire crews were deployed last Saturday afternoon to help a driver whose car was stranded in 3ft of floodwater in Sproxton Road, Coston.

The service has since urged people not to risk trying to get through flooding.

A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “It is not worth driving your vehicle through floodwater. Even your insurance may be invalid.

“The fire service will assist you safely from the vehicle to dry land, but won’t tow your vehicle out of the water.

“This will be down to either your recovery company or by contacting a local garage to come out and assist you.

“Every time you decide to drive into floodwater, whether it be a ford or where a river has burst its banks, then your decision puts others at risk.

“If you know the area is likely to flood or if there has been heavy rain and flood alerts issued, don’t take that route – find an alternative.”

There were Environment Agency flood warnings in place last weekend on the River Wreake at Frisby and also at Hoby, Thrussington and Ratcliffe.

Flood warnings are issued when roads in an area are submerged and property is at risk of being flooded.

This weekend is expected to see light rain today, but heavier showers are expected tomorrow.