Iberia Parish targets flooding with new driver penalties ordinance

IBERIA PARISH, LA (KLFY) — Flooding issues have been constant problem in New Iberia for many years. One of the biggest concerns is drivers pushing water into homes. I spoke with the city council about a new ordinance in place that should help bring an end to the problems many people are experiencing.

New Iberia City Councilman of District 2 Warren White said they hope it can be “an eye opener because it’s been going on every time there’s flooding in our in the city.”

The ordinance will penalize drivers for creating waves in flooded zones. The issue being when drivers, specifically in larger vehicles are on the roads push out making it easier to get into homes, cars, or businesses.

“The flooding can occur, with one more inch of water that’s created by a wave or a wake from a large vehicle. We’re trying to put an end to that.” New Iberia City Councilman of District 3 Troy Comeaux said.

It will be a $1000 penalty for anyone in violation of the ordinance. This is something the council believes will help prevent flooding damage from continuing every time a heavy rainstorm occurs.

“They have to video it. They need to video it because you can’t just call and say this person did this,” said White. “City cameras could catch it. People home cameras could catch it. You know, so that’s the way, you know, we can tell who it is and who has the license plate and everything. We don’t want to fine you all. You know, hopefully, you know, this will help, you know, help way out, prevent from doing it. And we want to find anyone.”