Before today, my dad owned a 1999 S reg Vauxhall Vectra Arctic.
But as of around 9 a.m., I give you:
It was being driven by my brother, member on here, but of course, not willing to share it with everyone.
He even made the news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7880800.stm (pic 2)
In his defence, the whole village was flooded, but before the police had the time to come round and close the area, he decided to try a shortcut. Little did he know that this lane was notorious for severe flooding and had caught many motorists before: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Bourne,_Addlestone
From what he says, he went in, realised the water was way deeper than other places, tried reversing, stalled and the current dragged the car away. He managed to get out through the rear doors but was waist deep in water. Thankfully he says he is fine now.
The unfortunate and angering thing is that there doesn't seem to be signs to warn of flooding on that lane, so it could happen again!! Police said they couldn't do anything when he called them, not even shutting the road.
(Any advice on whether there's anything that can be done to avoid a repeat?)
Car was worth £500ish, insurance excess was £700+, so my dad cancelled the claim and a local garage owner my dad knew and bumped into in the village recommended a recovery truck which took it out once the water had subsided. They did it for free but my dad says they took it away to a scrapyard. There was not much left for them to save.
THe silver lining is that 2 weeks ago, my dad and me went to look for a newer replacement for the car (even posted on here for advice) and it's jsut going to get a new one sooner rather than later.
Things like that always seem to happen to others, so that's a definite first!
But as of around 9 a.m., I give you:
It was being driven by my brother, member on here, but of course, not willing to share it with everyone.
He even made the news: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/7880800.stm (pic 2)
In his defence, the whole village was flooded, but before the police had the time to come round and close the area, he decided to try a shortcut. Little did he know that this lane was notorious for severe flooding and had caught many motorists before: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Bourne,_Addlestone
From what he says, he went in, realised the water was way deeper than other places, tried reversing, stalled and the current dragged the car away. He managed to get out through the rear doors but was waist deep in water. Thankfully he says he is fine now.
The unfortunate and angering thing is that there doesn't seem to be signs to warn of flooding on that lane, so it could happen again!! Police said they couldn't do anything when he called them, not even shutting the road.
(Any advice on whether there's anything that can be done to avoid a repeat?)Car was worth £500ish, insurance excess was £700+, so my dad cancelled the claim and a local garage owner my dad knew and bumped into in the village recommended a recovery truck which took it out once the water had subsided. They did it for free but my dad says they took it away to a scrapyard. There was not much left for them to save.
THe silver lining is that 2 weeks ago, my dad and me went to look for a newer replacement for the car (even posted on here for advice) and it's jsut going to get a new one sooner rather than later.
Things like that always seem to happen to others, so that's a definite first!
Last edited:
