Billingshurst level crossing concerns intensify after three incidents in two weeks

Trains were cancelled or delayed after a lorry struck the barrier at the level crossing in Station Road, Billingshurst on Monday (April 11).

Last week’s County Times reported how the barrier came down on another heavy goods vehicle, causing damage and delays, on Thursday March 31.

And police say they are also investigating an incident which resulted in a near miss on Friday April 8.

Alan Collyer, who lives in the village and said he has been using the level crossing for 40 years, was in a car behind when a delivery lorry stopped on the crossing at about 7.30am on Friday.

He said: “We probably had about 15 or 20 minutes before the next train, otherwise the barriers would have come down.

“I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”

He added that although the crossing was widened about 18 months ago, motorists must adapt.

He said: “Don’t get on there if you can’t get out the other side. It is common sense.

“Before long there is going to be a really serious accident there, that is what is going to happen.

“I don’t think we have seen the back of this.”

Just three days later, a lorry struck the barrier, blocking the road and causing delays of 40 minutes on the railway.

Replacement buses were sent to Horsham and Barnham as disruption continued into the evening.

A spokesman for British Transport Police told the Couty Times enquiries into the incident on Friday were ongoing.

Concerns have previously been raised about the length of the crossing, which can leave vehicles stranded in the middle in times of heavy traffic.

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