4x4s Blamed for Worsening Sewage Flooding

10.20.39am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 31st Jul 2007

Several parts of the Borough have been subject to repeated flash flooding of roads in the recent downpours, causing sewage flooding where drains cannot cope with the volumes.

The problems have been aggravated by 4x4 drivers accelerating through the floodwaters and creating a big backwash which sends the flood waters into homes, garages and gardens.

Vincent Cable MP has taken up the issue with the Council and with Thames Water on behalf of residents of Burtons Road in Hampton Hill and Lincoln Avenue in Twickenham, both of which flood badly in heavy rain and have experienced exceptional problems this year with sewage mixed in the flood waters. Residents in both roads have told Vincent Cable that the problems are made much worse by 4x4 drivers; most cars do not attempt to cross floods but the 4x4s drive through at top speed causing waves which aggravate the problems for householders.

Vincent Cable has asked Thames Water to work with the Council to clear blocked drains but has also asked the Council to equip residents with temporary signs to stop traffic when flooding is serious: "although our flooding problems are not on the same scale as those of the West Country or South Yorkshire, some residents have had to cope with floodwater and sewage floating around their homes and gardens. The problems are made worse by inconsiderate drivers creating backwash. Nor is it just a one-off issue; this happens several times a year."