![](https://emergencyservicestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ESS-Button-resized.png")
With the introduction of electronic warning signs along major roads in the Yorkshire Dales, the local authority and emergency services will no longer have to rely on the public to report flooding incidents and manually put up signage to divert drivers.
North Yorkshire Council has invested £100,000 on electronic signs and construction that involves sensors that detect when surface water levels rise which in turn activate signs to alert drivers with warning messages.
Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said this is a quicker, more efficient way to keep the public safe. The investment is in addition to the original flood detection system installed in 2022 at a cost of £418k and paid for through the Government’s Safer Roads Fund.
The announcement of this work comes in the same week that Matthew Robinson, Head of Resilience and Emergencies at North Yorkshire Council gave evidence to a Parliamentary committee looking at drought preparedness. The committee linked drought and flooding with Lord Trees saying that they were “two sides of the same coin.” The committee discussed flooding resilience and Mr Robinson emphasised the importance of the local resilience forum and the partnerships and collaboration with the local community, voluntary and faith groups.
The council worked in partnership with Swarco UK & Ireland on the original project and the extension of the sensors in the Yorkshire Dales. The firm has also installed its intelligent flood warning system in Warrington, keeping drivers away from areas prone to flooding and using the firm’s smart management platform.
To read similar articles, check out our Sustainability channel.
