Van ploughs into gates at level crossing

A van ploughed into level crossing gates as trains carrying mums on their special day out were brought to a halt.

Kent & East Sussex Railway’s (K&ESR) Mother’s Day special between Tenterden and Bodiam was disrupted when a Vauxhall Astra van hit the crossing gates at Rolvenden station.

Mums were due to be treated to cream teas and ploughman’s lunches on the 10-and-a-half-mile return steam railway trip.

K&ESR general manager Shaun Dewey said: “A van travelling on the A28 hit the level crossing gates at Rolvenden Station on Sunday afternoon causing damage.

“The gates were subject to immediate repair by staff and volunteers, and once completed the important Mother’s Day celebrations continued with a 25-minute delay.

“Station staff kept passengers fully informed at all times.

“We would like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding at the time of the incident, and also the Kent & East Sussex Railway staff and volunteers for their immediate actions to restore full service in such a short period of time.”

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 3.12pm on Sunday, March 26 to a report that a van had collided with a level crossing barrier on the A28 at Rolvenden.

“The vehicle did not stop and is reported to have driven away in the opposite direction.

“Details of the incident have been recorded and inquiries will be carried out.”

The police reference number for the incident is 26-0733.

The tracks across the level crossing were only replaced earlier this month but it is understood this work had no bearing on the road collision.

A van was hit by a train at the level crossing in Rolvenden