Ferring Level Crossing Closed for Six Months Due to Safety Concerns

Clappers Lane Level Crossing in Ferring has been closed for at least six months following repeated incidents of misuse, according to Network Rail. The decision comes after serious safety breaches were captured on CCTV, including people walking on the tracks and playing games near moving trains.

The emergency closure of the crossing, situated between Langbury Lane and Onslow Drive, was initially enforced on 23 January 2025. West Sussex County Council has since granted Network Rail’s request to extend the closure through a temporary order, citing safety risks to pedestrians. The crossing will remain shut from 12 February 2025, with the potential for further extensions if necessary. No alternative public footpath is available, and pedestrians are advised to use Ferring Street, adding time to their journeys.

Network Rail reported four incidents of misuse within the first two weeks of January alone, prompting swift action. The railway authority plans to install a miniature traffic light system to enhance safety but acknowledges this may not fully prevent misuse. Further measures, including the possibility of permanent closure, are being considered to ensure public safety, as the third rail powering trains remains a lethal hazard.