Calls to scrap level crossings have been renewed after a barrier failed in Barnes.

The White Hart Lane crossing was damaged yesterday (Wednesday, November 11) after a vehicle crashed into it.

Trains then passed through without the barrier going down and only the lights to tell them to stop. Local resident Charlotte Rolt said it was "so dangerous".

The situation was a potential hazard as motorists may assume they are safe to pass through if a barrier is up.

Local blogger Richmond Transits has been campaigning for the removal of all level crossings for years.

"Level crossings have no place in a dense urban environment and should be removed," they said.

"The line should be buried and the land above developed to pay for it."

There are five level crossings in Richmond borough. Two of these are in Barnes, at Vine Road and White Hart Lane; there is another at Manor Road near North Sheen Station, at Mortlake Station and in Strawberry Hill. Richmond Transits said the barriers are down for 46 minutes of every hour.

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Responding to the incident yesterday, South Western Railway said on Twitter: "We are aware of the issue with the barriers following a vehicle colliding with them.

"Engineers are on site and working to fix the broken barrier.

"I am sorry for any inconvenience caused."

The barrier was fixed by Network Rail yesterday.

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