Man rescued from flood waters in North Yorkshire after ignoring road closure sign (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Man rescued from flood waters in North Yorkshire after ignoring road closure sign

12:09pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in News By Matt Westcott

A MAN had to be rescued from flood waters after ignoring a road closure sign today.

The incident happened this morning near Newton on Ouse, North Yorkshire and has led to police warning motorists and pedestrians to take heed of road and bridge closure signs and barriers in flooded areas.

North Yorkshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Iain Spittal, said: "A man got into into difficulties after travelling through flood water and the emergency services came to his aid.

"The last thing I want to happen after the efforts of all the agencies who have worked tirelessly to keep everyone safe this week, is for someone to lose their life after ignoring a road or bridge closed sign.

"Staff from North Yorkshire County Council and the City of York Council are working throughout the weekend to get roads open as quickly as possible.

"Engineers also need to check bridges to ensure they are structurally sound. So if you see a bridge closed sign, even if it looks clear, it may not be safe. So please wait until the bridge has been given the all clear by engineers and has been re-opened.

"It is simply not worth risking your life or the lives of your rescuers to save a few minutes of journey time."