Calls for urgent review into flooding on the A26

Derrick Faires, director of Elite Frozen Foods Ltd, wrote to Highways England and Ms Caulfield expressing his concern about the road after one of the company’s drivers crashed in the icy conditions.

Mr Faires said: “One of my drivers travelling north towards Beddingham hit the flow of water crossing the road, which had turned to ice, and careered off the road, through the fence opposite and ended up on its side with the driver trapped in the cab.

“He could have been killed had he not managed to steer to the left of a large tree. I dread to think how bad his injuries could have been. We had a very lucky escape. Let’s hope someone listens to the public and their concerns before a major accident happens and the outcome is worse than just a written-off vehicle.”

Maria Caulfield echoed Mr Faire’s concerns, adding: “We need an urgent review of the layout and topography of the road and to see if any other impediment to water draining away are present. I should be hearing from Highways England and hope we can get to the bottom of this issue soon.”

A Highways England spokesperson said: “Last winter, remedial work was undertaken which improved the drainage of the site and reduced flooding from water running onto the carriageway from adjacent land not owned by Highways England.

“This winter, we have identified an issue with a broken pipe near the carriageway. As soon as this was identified, temporary measures including a lowered speed limit and extra signage was introduced.

“We aim to repair the broken pipe within a month. We are continuing to investigate and monitor the situation on-site and are also in ongoing discussions with the local landowner about the issue of water running on to the carriageway. We encourage drivers to abide by the current restrictions and drive appropriately according the road conditions.”

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