The joint project is working to identify all car parks
in Tyne & Wear at risk of flooding. The first two
areas to be identified are the Quayside in Newcastle,
near the Swing Bridge, and low lights car park at North
Shields Fish Quay.
Signs have now gone up in both car parks advising
people to check tide timetables, sign up to the Flood
Warning Service and information on alternative parking
locations. In Newcastle, the council will advise when
the car park is going to be closed.
The Environment Agency’s Taryn Al-mashgari, Flood
Community Engagement Officer for Tyne & Wear, said:
The signs are not to deter people from parking there
as the vast majority of the time there are no issues.
But we want people to be more informed about flooding
– it’s absolutely vital people understand how they
can find out what the current flood risk is and what
to do to keep themselves safe. These car parks are in
flood risk areas and during particularly high tide
they are liable to flooding.
It’s particularly important for visitors where people
might not be aware of the flood risk. This way that
they can be more informed about the current and
upcoming flood risk and ensure it’s safe to park
there.
The same signage will be used at flood risk car parks
across Tyne & Wear. Taryn is also working with
local authorities to identify car parks also at risk of
surface water flooding. Councillor Nick Kemp, Newcastle
City Council cabinet member for Environment, added:
Extreme weather events are an unfortunate challenge
we all face from time to time so anything we can do
to get one step ahead is a positive move. Flooding
can strike in an instant and warning drivers of the
potential of it occurring by leaving their cars in
at-risk locations provides another layer of
preparation to go with the defences which have
already been invested in.
The work carried out with our partners like the
Environment Agency is not intended to deter people
from using these car parks, we simply aim to raise
awareness of the risks.
Councillor Carole Burdis, North Tyneside Council’s
whose portfolio includes Community Safety, said:
It’s great that, alongside our partners, we’re taking
vital steps to ensure the safety of our residents by
giving them early warning of flood risks. We are
committed to protecting the public and keeping
everyone informed as much as possible of current
flood risks and how to keep safe.
The project is part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing
work with local authorities to raise awareness of flood
risk in our communities and ensure people know how to
prepare.
Driving through flood water risks lives – just 30cm of
water is enough to float your car. Those travelling
over Christmas and through winter are urged to check
their route for flood warnings. If you find your way
blocked by flood water always turn around and find
another way – never take the risk.
