A DRIVER who had to be rescued from a flooded river after ignoring Road Closed signs has been charged by police.

The 49-year-old woman had to be pulled from the Teviot on Sunday morning by fire crews after her vehicle was washed into the river.

She had previously driven past a Road Closed sign as well as barriers as she attempted to reach Kelso on the A699 just before 9am.

Her car was immersed in floodwater and dragged into the river at the Teviot Bridge before being wedged between two trees. 

After being treated for hypothermia at Borders General Hospital, the woman was charged by police.

Inspector John Reid told us: "We'd like to remind all road users that road closures are in place for a reason.

"Please do not risk your safety by ignoring these, or the safety of the emergency crews who will be risking their life to help you."

Around half-a-dozen roads remain closed across the Borders with many more only passable with great care.

Rob Dickson, Gold Commander for the multi-agency response at Scottish Borders Council, said: “The impact of the severe weather remains significant and residents must not take any unnecessary risks despite thinking the weather may be improving.

“The advice is still to avoid any travel unless absolutely necessary and although it may be tempting to get up close to swollen rivers, this is very dangerous.

"Residents must stay clear of riverbanks, bridges with high running water and be aware of footpaths, roads, fences, walls which may have been damaged by the flooding."