Friday 05-01-2024 - 16:09

 

 

  05/01/2024 

 

Floods, road closures and risk of ice on roads - please be careful! 

 

We are looking forward to welcoming you back on campus from Monday. For those who are travelling in, please be aware that there is currently flooding in Maisemore which is likely to continue over the weekend and potentially into next week. The Met Office has also issued a ‘severe’ ice warning in Gloucestershire next week which could lead to icy patches and potentially dangerous conditions.

 

 

 

 

Please keep an eye on road closure updates here: Current road closures | Highways (gloucestershire.gov.uk).

 

 

 

The A417 is currently closed at Maisemore due to flooding, there is no access to campus from Gloucester. The safest and clearest route to campus is joining the A417 at Junction 2 of the M50. The M50 can be accessed from Junction 8 of the M5 or from the A449/A40 at Ross on Wye.

 

 

Guidance from the AA:

 

 

 

 

How to drive in heavy rain

 

 

 

• Turn your headlights on – the Highway Code says you must use them when visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100m).
• Use fog lights if you like, but switch them off when visibility improves.
• Leave twice as much space between you and the car in front – it takes longer to stop in the wet.
• If your steering feels light due to aquaplaning, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
• If you break down don't prop the bonnet open while you wait. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.

 

 

 

How to drive in floods and standing water

 

 

 

• Try to avoid standing water if you can.
• Don't drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 10cm (4 inches) deep. Let approaching cars pass first.
• Drive slowly and steadily so you don’t make a bow wave.
• Test your brakes as soon as you can afterwards.
• Fast-moving water is very powerful – take care or your car could be swept away.

If you do get stuck in flood water, it's usually best to wait in the car and call for help rather than try to get out.

 

 

 

 

Driving on winter roads

• Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.
• If you have to use your brakes, apply them gently.
• Driving uphill – leave plenty of room between other cars or wait until it’s clear so you don’t have to stop part way up. Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.
• Driving downhill – slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Leave as much room as you can after the car in front.

If you get stuck in snow or ice

• If you get stuck, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels.
• Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.

 

Further information:

 

How to drive through floodwater and heavy rain | The AA

Winter driving advice | AA (theaa.com)

 

If you have assessments, please ensure you allow plenty of time to travel safely to campus.  If you use the shuttle service, please access the flood timetable on the Hartpury website but please bear in mind that this is subject to change based on localised conditions (see more detail below).  If you have any concerns, please email student.advisors@hartpury.ac.uk

 

 

 

 

Information on transport organised by Hartpury (minibuses/coaches and Gloucester-Hartpury shuttle bus services)

 

 

 

The flood timetable for the shuttle bus from Gloucester to Hartpury University and Hartpury College will operate during periods when the A417 is closed at Maisemore.

 

• All transport organised by Hartpury will use the safest routes into the campus where there is a limited possibility of additional road closures due to flooding.  All coach transport will divert using the M5, M50 and the A417 to access the campus or the Newent Road to the M50.  
• All students on minibus and coach transport should ensure they have access to the Zeelo App to access up-to-date information; there is a possibility that some stops will not be serviced as normal and that timetables will be subject to delays.  Zeelo will send communications out over the weekend and on Monday morning to keep you updated about your route.
• The Hartpury Shuttle service from Gloucester will also divert using the safest route to Campus.  The A438 at Tewkesbury is currently closed and the shuttle service will use the M5 / M50 / A417 diversion; this will cause a significant delay to the timetable.  If the A438 is open next week then the shuttle will operate as best, it can to the flood timetable which is available on Hartpury website. If using this service, please allow extra time for your journey as the diversion is longer. 

 

Safe travels and we look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Hartpury SU