Drivers ignore warnings on Welney Wash Road

Drivers are putting themselves at risk, and their vehicles are becoming stranded by trying to cross the infamous Welney Wash Road – despite warnings, it is flooded.

The road has been closed for over a week as the water levels covering it continue to rise.

This morning (Thursday) the volunteer-run Welney Flood Watch reported the river levels are at 3.41m – the trigger level is 2.40m.

Water usually starts flowing across the road at 2.35m.

The volunteers are urging drivers to find alternative routes after a number of cars were left stranded in the 75cm of water on the road.

The most recent stranding happened last night (Wednesday) and involved a supermarket delivery van, which saw fire crews from Outwell, Littleport, Ely, Cambridge, and Huntingdon, along with a water rescue boat from Lynn South deployed to assist the driver.

Posting to the Welney Flood Watch Facebook a volunteer commented: “Why with the flashing signage, Facebook, barriers, and physical depth gauges (although not accurate but showing it’s deep) does this happen? I know supermarket deliveries my wife has currently come from Wisbech as the Ely store will not deliver while the wash is flooded, it's a pity this one did not follow Floodwatch.

“Even though flashing signs are showing lower it is too deep to risk any attempt now. Continue to find another route for several more days. Do not attempt to cross Welney Wash Road in a vehicle.”