Braintree district: Flood water on roads (From Maldon and Burnham Standard)

Braintree district: Flood water on roads

5:30pm Sunday 29th April 2012 in North Essex

Torrential rain has left a section of the B1018 between Witham and Braintree flooded.

Cars are still able to pass the section, near the Cressing Temple junction.

Drivers have to take care on many roads due to excess surface water, and part of the A12 near Galleywood has been closed for safety reasons after two crashes.

Floodwater has spilled from neighbouring fields onto the southbound carriageway near junction 16.

Firefighters also had to push a car out of floodwater in Terling Road, Hatfield Peverel after the driver became trapped.

Crews from Witham, Colchester and the fire service’s water rescue unit were called at lunchtime.

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service attended 32 incidents across the county caused by flood water and trees and power cables brought down by the wind.

A spokesman said: "It is mind boggling just how many people will drive their car into standing water with no idea of how deep it is.

"As we have seen today these people get their cars, and often their families, trapped as a result of their actions.

"When faced with water drivers should exercise a little common sense.

"If they can they should find an alternative route. If there is no way round they should park safely and get out to check the depth of the water before they drive into it.”