A WOMAN had to be rescued by firefighters this morning as drivers continued to ignore road closed signs on flooded Fenland routes.

Fire crews were called to the B1040 in Whittlesey at 8.20am, where four vehicles had got stuck in the flood water. The woman was rescued near the Dog in a Doublet Sluice.

A fire service spokesman said: “The crews arrived and found a number of vehicles had travelled through the flood water even though a road closure is in place.

“Driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous as it is impossible to see how deep the water is or whether there are hazards under the water, which could damage your car and leave you stranded.

“Ignoring a road closure can not only be dangerous it can also lead to prosecution.

“Please make sure you follow the diversion signs and don’t ignore the road closure. The detours in place are short and will allow you to arrive at your destination safely.”

Police have vowed to prosecute motorists who are caught ignoring the road closures.

Inspector Iain Clark said: “Several routes have been closed off with signs and cones but it appears some drivers are choosing to ignore these or even move them out of the way.

“We are having to deploy resources to rescue stricken motorists and that is taking them away from other duties.

“These road signs are there for a reason, any motorist caught ignoring them will be prosecuted.”