Cars 'ignoring road closures' amid wet conditions in Wiltshire
Flood alerts remain in place across parts of Wiltshire after the heavy rain earlier this week - with a Met Office weather warning still in force
Flood alerts remain across parts of Wiltshire today (26 September) after the heavy rain earlier this week.
Police in Melksham and Bradford-on-Avon are reminding drivers that if roads are signed as closed - do not ignore them or move them.
They say there's been a number of ignored closures this week which has caused them to be tied up with pulling vehicles out of standing water - when it could have been avoided.
On social media, officers said: "Rain is here to stay! This means wet roads, localised flooding and where unavoidable, road closures.
"There are many areas prone to flooding around Melksham and Bradford on Avon. If these roads are signed as closed, please do not ignore the signs or move them- they are there for a reason- to keep you safe!
"Unfortunately we have had a few road closures ignored this week which has caused us to be tied up with pulling vehicles out of standing water when it could have been avoided."
They've issued a number driving tips for wet weather:
- Double the distance you leave between the car in front of you
- If steering becomes unresponsive due to standing water, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually
- If in doubt do not drive through flood water
- Test your brakes after passing though water
- Know your vehicle's capabilities; don't attempt to drive through deep water and risk getting stuck
- Check the forecast and traffic conditions before you travel
- Do not move police or Wiltshire Council road signs
Visit the Wiltshire Police website for more road safety advice.