- The Scottish Executive is providing £1.6 million of funding to SEPA to make national flood maps available on the internet.
- Timescales for the provision of Internet access to the maps is spring 2006.
- SEPA and local authorities have held flood risk maps since 1999 but these only provided access on a site-specific basis upon request.
- The new maps will be a much-improved product using modern modelling methods, new digital topographic data will be continually improved through the addition of data gathered through surveys after flood events.
- It is important to note that the maps will offer an overview of flood risk areas in Scotland and will not indicate the extent and likelihood of flooding.
- The fact that a property lies within a flood plain does not mean it will definitely experience flooding, nor does it denote any particular degree of risk. The influence of flood alleviation measures and local transport infrastructure on the natural flood plain will not be indicated on these maps. For further information about flood risk, contact Floodline, 0845 988 1188.
SEPA’s Chairman, Sir Ken Collins, welcomed the Executive’s announcement of £1.6 million for the project, saying,
“SEPA believes that the availability of reliable flood risk information on the internet will benefit a wide range of users.
“For those living, working and travelling in areas prone to flooding, checking where flood risks are is a simple first step in helping people to be aware and prepared.
“The improved maps will also help inform our partners’ key flood management decisions in Scotland’s flood prone areas. “
ENDS
Contact
Emma Hargreaves on 01786 452447
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