More than 160 flooding calls

10:11am Monday 1st September 2008

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FIREFIGHTERS in Buckinghamshire were called to more than 160 calls of flooding in less than four hours last night.

Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's control room received 162 calls to flooding incidents between 5.30pm and 9.15pm - the majority in south Bucks.

Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Peter, Burnham, Farnham Royal, Farnham Common, Beaconsfield, Taplow, Stoke Poges, Jordans, Hedgerley and Chesham were among the areas worst affected.

The total number of calls for the day was 197.

The service has now issued advice to drivers.

Motorists are being advised to take extra care on flooded roads this morning after last night's rain.

The firefighters were called out more than 20 times yesterday evening to help drivers whose cars had become stranded in flood water in the Gerrards Cross area.

In some cases, the fire engines found it difficult to get past abandoned vehicles.

Chief fire officer Damian Smith said: "Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fords.

"The water is often deeper than it looks and may be moving quite fast. Your vehicle may be swept away or become stranded.

"Try to avoid car journeys during the worst of the weather and always check local traffic reports to see if the route is clear before you make the journey."

He urged people not to attempt to cross water if it seems too deep, to drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch, and to test brakes after passing the flood before driving at normal speed.

He added: "Calls to vehicles stuck in floods place a strain on resources and are very often avoidable. Please think very carefully before taking the plunge."