Highway drains

The highway drainage system in Staffordshire is designed to take water away from the road surface, but even with a well-maintained system, problems can arise during periods of heavy or prolonged rainfall. We have a total gully asset level of in the region of 165,000+ gullies, therefore, associated works are prioritised accordingly

How often are gullies cleaned?

We operate a cleaning schedule to routinely clean the gullies throughout Staffordshire, using data collated in recent years the frequency of the cleansing is determined by the silt levels readings and road classification.

Urban class A and B roads

• Generally have higher silt levels and because of traffic speeds and volumes
• Require more frequent (annual) cleanses

Rural class A and B roads

• Feature high traffic volumes and accommodate higher speeds
• These will be cleansed on an annual basis

Rural class C class and unclassified routes (D and U)

• Typically have lower silt levels than Urban A and B class routes but higher silt levels than Urban C, D and U class routes
• These gullies will be cleansed once every two years
  

Urban class C and unclassified roads (D and U roads)

• Typically have lower silt levels due to lower traffic speeds and volumes
• These routes will be cleansed once every three years

In addition to a routine cleaning schedule, ad hoc cleansing operations take place 1 to 2 days a week in targeted locations based on risk assessed priority.

You can also report a blocked drain or flooding to the highways team.