High-tech flood sensors are helping Richmond Council identify and clear surface water from the area's road.

The cutting edge technology has been installed in 12 road gullies across the borough.

Recent heavy downfalls have seen many of the areas roads flooded, creating risks for both drivers and pedestrians.

In theory the tech allows the Council to call in its drainage contractors to deploy teams to clear the drains. Much of the problem is associated with autumn leaves blocking drains and can quickly be resolved.

The new sensors are part of the South London Partnership's InnOvaTe Project, which relies on Internet of Things technology.

The 12 locations are Castelnau; Church Road (Barnes); Nassau Road; Station Road (Barnes); Strawberry Vale/ Cross Deep; High Street (Hampton Wick); two in Kew Road; Burtons Road; Heath Road; Sydney Road, Richmond; Lincoln Avenue, Twickenham.

As well as allowing the Council to respond quickly to surface flooding which is not subsiding, the project will generate long term insights that will help understand and predict the impact of flooding on the drainage system.

Councillor Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sport Committee, said: "The reality is that climate change is making heavy rainfall and flash flooding more frequent.

"While in most instances any surface flooding usually recedes within a couple of hours, as these weather events become more frequent, the pressure on our drainage systems in going to increase.

"Using technology like this, we can get a better view of how the system is responding to heavy water flow and ensure officers can identify and attend to any serious issues quickly."

During a period of heavy rain last week (Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 November 2022), the sensors issued five flood warnings and recorded four flooding events, with two locations recorded as not completely returning to pre-flood water levels.

By monitoring water levels, the sensors can highlight both localised issues - such as leaves blocking a gully or drain - or more significant system blockages, which need attention from Thames Water.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council and Chair of the South London Partnership, said: "We know that flooding is becoming a more frequent occurrence at all times of year.

"At best floods are an annoyance, at worst they can cause serious damage to people's property and impact people's lives.

"If you have experienced flooding at your home or business you should let us know – this will help us prepare for and manage future flood risks across the borough.

"We also really need people to continue to tell us about blocked gullies on public highways or surface flooding that does not subside after a couple of hours.

"Our highways and street cleansing teams work hard to keep on top of this, but it helps us to hear from residents if there are significant issues in any locations, so officers can prioritise clearing these as quickly as possible."