THE FIRE service has warned motorists to take care when driving along waterlogged roads as flood alerts remain in place in Epping Forest.

A spokesman for Essex Fire and Rescue Service said drivers should never attempt to negotiate water deeper than the centre of their wheels.

He said: "If water gets into the car’s air intake or into the electrics the car will stop, leaving driver and passengers trapped.

"When faced with water drivers should 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 get out to check the depth of the water before they drive into it.

"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.”

Two feet of water is enough to float a car, while six inches can cause loss of control or stalling.