For the second time in a week, fire crews released a driver trapped in a vehicle by flood water in Shalford Green.

A man in a Range Rover was rescued yesterday morning (Tuesday) by firefighters in dry suits who used a rescue boat to bring the man safely back to dry land.

On Monday last week, a woman in a Mini also had to be rescued from the same spot after her car became stuck in floodwater.

An Essex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “Incidents like this should serve as a warning to motorists to be careful on flooded roads.

Just a foot or two of water is enough to float a car and six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars. This depth can cause loss of control or possible stalling as water is sucked into the exhaust or washes into the air intake.

Motorists should never attempt to drive through water deeper than the centre of their wheels. If water gets into the car’s air intake or into the electrics, the car will stop leaving driver and passengers trapped.”

The spokesman added; “The water could also be hiding damaged road or missing manhole covers. Motorists should take particular care when crossing fords, these often become flooded and extremely dangerous with fast flowing water.

“It is important that when faced with water drivers exercise a little common sense. If they can they should find an alternative route. If there is no way round they should park safely and let the water subside until it has reached a safe level.

“Just driving into water and hoping for the best is not an option, by the time you find out the water is too deep you are already trapped.”