Level crossing barrier wrecked after lorry crash

Police at the scene of the Billingshurst level crossing collision

Rail commuters travelling between Horsham and Littlehampton faced yet more delays following the incident in Station Road just before 2pm.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Based on CCTV footage, initial indications suggest the driver failed to observe the road traffic lights as he approached the crossing.

“The British Transport Police and Network Rail engineers arrived quickly on the scene and, although trains ran at a reduced speed and road closures were put in place while the crossing was repaired, the crossing was fully functioning again by 4.15pm.

Barrier damaged at Billingshurst level crossing

“We’d like to thank passengers and road users for their patience while this work was carried out.”

British Transport Police said it was ‘making enquiries into the circumstances of this incident’.

Southern Rail said service running through the station were forced to run at reduced speeds for health and safety reasons.

Delays of up to 20 minutes were reported are were expected to last until 4pm.