Flood sensors installed on major Gloucestershire roads

New technology designed to detect rising water levels and “avoid huge amounts of disruption” is being introduced on several major routes in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire County Council is installing flood-monitoring sensors on Cirencester Road in Charlton Kings, St George’s Road and Pittville Circus in Cheltenham as part of a trial aimed at improving response times during heavy rainfall.

The devices will automatically alert the council’s Flood Risk Management Team when water levels begin to increase, allowing crews to respond more quickly and potentially prevent road closures or property damage.

Councillor Martin Horwood, cabinet member for nature, waste reduction and climate, said:

“We’re working to help reduce road closures, protect properties, and improve daily commutes during heavy rainfall.”

The system operates using sound wave technology to track water depth in selected roadside gullies. By providing real-time data, the council hopes to better manage flood risks during periods of intense rain.

The 12-month pilot scheme is also being tested in six other counties. If the technology proves effective, it could be extended to additional locations across Gloucestershire.

Horwood added:

“Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change and the council is looking for ways to reduce the impact on our communities.

“We clear more than 130,000 gullies every year and if this scheme proves successful, it could offer the potential for wider adoption across other parts of the county,” he said.

Councillor Julian Tooke, cabinet member for business, economic development, planning and infrastructure, said the council is “making smarter use of technology” and delivering “enhancements to services for residents across the county.”