Blocked drains<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Devon has approximately 180,000 gullies. A sudden storm or downpour can often result in more water on the road than our gullies or ditches can cope with. In severe weather the capacity of the drainage system can be overwhelmed by the amount of water trying to run off from the road and flooding can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We will:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- empty urban gullies with sumps at least once every three years<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- empty rural gullies with sumps at least once a year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- flush gullies without sumps once a year<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- respond to reports of blocked drains that are causing standing water<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A sump is a trap in the drain which catches the material that is washed in. This helps to ensure that the water flowing in the pipes is not obstructed by accumulations of silt and other materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In order to identify what work is required to each defective gully we use coloured tags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Drainage](\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/roads-and-transport\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/160\/2020\/02\/Drainage-Responsibility.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWe will take action in relation to water on the highway under the following conditions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standing water or running water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We will take action if, 24 hours after the rain has stopped, there is standing water where a speed limit of 40mph or above is in force, and where highway users can reasonably travel at 40mph or above, to minimise the risk of aquaplaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highway flooding causing an obstruction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If it\u2019s an emergency and there is danger to life as a result of flooding call 999<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If, 24 hours after the rain has stopped:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- the road is impassable<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- the water is forcing vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians away from the nearside of the road by more than one metre<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- vehicles have to cross the centreline marking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
we will attempt to clear the standing water if appropriate. If unable to clear the water, we will use a flood sign or guard the area or close the road to make the location safe and then investigate a permanent solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consultation will be required with adjacent landowner or occupier where appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please note that standing\/running water will not be investigated during prolonged heavy rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other forms of drainage <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We also have about 40,000 open drains or holes in the verge, hedge or bank that permit the water to drain from the road. Examples are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- easements and \u2018buddle holes\u2019 – a hole or pipe that carries water through a hedge or bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u2018grips\u2019 – a ditch across the verges which drains water into a back ditch<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
We aim to clean these drainage systems on an annual basis in problem areas. Ditches along the side of the road are the responsibility of whoever owns the land on which they are situated and should be maintained in order to keep the ditch capable of carrying water away from the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The cleaning programme for grips, easements and buddle holes, on the priority network will be available shortly. Please be aware that these dates can be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Flooding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If a river is flooding contact the Environment Agency on 0345 988 1188<\/a>. The Environment Agency also has a range of information about flood warnings and precautions<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find out more about Devon\u2019s flood risk management strategy<\/a> and what to do before, during and after a flood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sandbags<\/h3>\n\n\n\n