Island Roads is again reminding landowners of what they need to do to prevent highway flooding, following recent flash flooding in places like Arreton.
The advice, issued every year, comes after those recent events in Arreton when rainwater from adjoining land overwhelmed the highway drainage system and flooded several properties in the village. Around 24 tonnes of silt were removed from this highway by Island Roads in the aftermath of the deluge.
The road drainage system is only designed to carry away water that has fallen onto the highway – not water that enters the network from adjoining land and/or property.
Under the Highways Act, it is an offence to allow water from private land to go onto the highway as it may pose a danger to other road users. In recent years, Island Roads has worked positively with local organisations, including the NFU and CLA, to promote advice on the steps landowners should take to prevent highway flooding.
For its part, Island Roads carries out regular maintenance of the highway drainage system including drains, gullies and roadside ditches for which it is responsible.
Steve Ashman, Island Roads service director, has said:
“Though we endeavour do what is required of us, we really do need the support of adjoining landowners who also have a major role to play in preventing highway flooding,”
“As we have seen recently, highway flooding can cause a danger to road users and considerable hardship to properties on or near the highway.
Article continues below this advertisement “While those who cause highway flooding face prosecution, prevention is, of course, better than cure and we are always ready to discuss with landowners what they need to do to ensure they meet their own responsibilities.”
Working with the Environment Agency, the Isle of Wight Council and Southern Water, Island Roads has produced a leaflet, Ditch It! explaining more about flooding issues and outlining the steps landowners need to take to prevent it.
Councillor Phil Jordan, IW Council cabinet member responsible for highways and transportation said:
“Recent events at Arreton provided a really vivid reminder of the misery that highway flooding can cause so I am really pleased Island Roads continues to work closely with local organisations to help reduce the risk of future incidents.”
Island Roads’ advice on flooding can be found here https://islandroads.com/our-highway-service/maintenance-activities/drains-ditching-and-flooding/
So if the landowner isn’t doing what they are supposed to do fine them big time
That’s right, blame everyone else as usual. Island Roads do not clear drains as they should, the drains in East Cowes are constantly blocked by rubbish and have been for years. Of course, if people were brought up to dispose of their rubbish responsibly it would help, but we all know what modern parenting is like…
It is pointless digging a ditch unless it drains into a sewer or river. For in heavy rain they fill in minutes If they run into sewers then that can cause issues and adds to flooding down stream if pours into rivers too fast
Gabion cages filled with rocks and faced with large straw bales would keep much debris off the roads and can easily be moved adjusted etc.
Then slowed cleaner water will filter through and disperse naturally.
It is the mud and debris which blocks highways drains which causes flooding. So my way would prevent such.
OK Island Potholes preaching to others. Maybe one day they will do their work properly. Wait until the frosts come and all the water that has got through the broken road surfaces freezes. Or will that not be their fault, of course. IR, get your own house in order, then preach
I notice the junction of Carisbrooke Road and Drill Hall Road was awash yet again.
Which land owner do we blame for that then?
I have contacted island roads numerous times over this drain
As does Great Preston Road, Ryde and Ryde Seafront. These roads only need a moderate shower of rain and a lake forms!
Maybe island roads should get there drains cleared out clear the leaves away from them . And when they resurface the roads make sure the water runs into the drains and also they don’t raise the road level so that they flood people’s drives and land
What about the land owners who ripped out all the hedgerows which caused this mess? What will they do about it.
Perhaps Island roads could explain were they think a new ditch could run into other than downhill onto the road.
This was a freak weather event with ground baked hard by drought followed by torrential rain.
I agree that island roads also need to get their house in order. I mentioned in another post that as a main road Fairlee is a disgrace. As for the flooding keep the drains clear
Island toads bodging island roads.More bodge jobs along shortly.Most staff either on the phone driving around or sitting in cabs.Island toads need a good shake up or this will continue until their contract runs out.