A councillor is calling for a ford to be permanently closed after cars became stuck in floodwater. A section of Green Road in Hall Green crosses the River Cole and becomes quickly submerged in heavy rain.
A vehicle was stranded in deep water as the Midlands was hit by flooding on Monday, January 6. It came a year after a passer-by rescued a mum and her three-year-old daughter after they became trapped in the same spot.
Coun Timothy Huxtable called for the the pass to be closed before someone died. The ford was cordoned off this week and Birmingham City Council said it was monitoring the situation.
READ MORE: Car submerged in Birmingham flood water after heavy rain overnight
Coun Huxtable said: “At the December meeting of the city council’s environment and transport committee, I once again called for the closure of this ford to prevent such incidents. Other fords in Hall Green, for example Scribers Lane and Slade Lane, have been closed to traffic on road safety grounds.
“The increasing number of similar incidents at this ford is very worrying, and I am very concerned a serious or fatal injury will occur if the council does not take action.”
Councillor Timothy Huxtable at the ford which often floods leaving cars stranded
(Image: Councillor Timothy Huxtable)
Coun Majid Mahmood, cabinet lead for environment and transport, said on Tuesday, January 7: “Following heavy rain overnight and flood warnings in place throughout the West Midlands, water levels on the River Cole have risen considerably by approximately 3ft.
“The ford is currently cordoned off and we strongly advise drivers against crossing a flooded ford, as even experienced drivers can be caught off-guard by a swift current and deep water. Although there are illuminated and non-illuminated signage signs, a depth board, and warning notices in place – we will continue to monitor the situation.
“As Highway Authority, the council must weigh the historical importance of this crossing point against the potential dangers to those who may not be aware of the risks when the River Cole is in flood.”