Stranded! Mercedes driver rescued as car swamped by flood water in car park
This was the scene after firefighters rescued a Mercedes driver whose car was swamped in floodwater at a car park.
The driver was up to his knees in water on the Doxey Road car and lorry park in Stafford, but called the emergency services on his mobile phone.
Firefighters in waterproof clothing were sent in to rescue the motorist from the £40,000 car at around 9am and walked him to safety.
Station manager Derek Stoddart said: "It was a potentially dangerous situation but luckily it was still water not moving water.
"Because of the level of water and the temperature he was understandably shaken and cold after he got out, we called ambulances just to check on him but there were no injuries sustained."
The car was later retrieved from the water by a removal company with the assistance of firefighters. The parking area was closed as a result of the flooding.
It is often affected by flooding in periods of bad weather and was forced to close due to heavy rain on Sunday.
In 2014, the car park was closed due to large parts of the Stafford Borough Council owned facility being submerged under water.
Mr Stoddart said: "We would advise motorists at all times not to travel into water unless they are 100 per cent sure it is safe.
"Even shallow looking waters can change quickly and leave you in a lot of trouble."
There are just under 800 spaces on the long-stay car park, which is used by shoppers at Sainsbury's. The driver got stuck on the part used by lorries.
Yesterday's flooding occurred on the lorry park, forcing Stafford Borough Council to close it until further notice.
Spokesperson Will Conoghan said: We have closed the lorry park at Doxey due to flooding.
"Motorists were warned not to drive through the entrance at Pans Drive in order to avoid getting stuck."