Police become laughing stock over level crossing crash

The incident happened six months ago and was captured on the dashcam footage of another motorist who was waiting to cross. 

Yet despite this - and the fact officers were handed the Ford Ranger's number plate after it flew off in the collision - police have been unable to even speak to the driver.

The extraordinary situation has left British Transport Police - which is handling the case because it happened on a level crossing - a laughing stock in the village of Spooner Row, where the crash occurred.

Many in the community say the identity of the man - who had driven off from the village pub after an argument just before smashing through the crossing - is widely known.

He is said to live in the surrounding area and villagers claim to have seen him driving a new vehicle near the scene of the crash.

One local said: "I don't really understand why the police don't seem to think this is important and worth investigating.

"If it had happened seconds later you would be looking at a serious tragedy.

"Everyone knows the importance of safety at level crossings. It is just so obvious.

"But the police just don't seem bothered. I don't know if it is idleness or incompetence.

"They have leads to chase which were literally handed to them. They are the joke of the village.

"Why don't they want to go and talk to this man?"

The truck's bumper flies into the air as the vehicle crashes through the railway barrier (Image: Submitted)

Another witness said: "It was shockingly dangerous driving and it is a miracle that nobody was hurt.

"People have told police that this man had been in the pub where he had been drinking for some time.

"No one can understand why officers seem so reluctant to do anything. I wish they would pull their finger out and stop being so cowardly."

In April, shortly after the incident, police said they had written a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle, outlining their intention to prosecute him.

However, they have not received a reply and they have not issued a court summons, which would require him to appear in court.

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said the driver was being investigated for dangerous driving and for failure to stop or report a traffic accident.

He added: "Failure to comply with a Notice of Intended Prosecution within 28 days carries a potential penalty of six points on the drivers’ licence and a maximum fine of £1,000."

However, the force has declined to comment on why it had not arrested the driver.

READ MORE: Dramatic account of 4X4 Spooner Row level crossing smash

The incident happened just after 7pm on April 6, as the village level crossing was closed to allow a Greater Anglia service from Norwich to Cambridge to pass.

Traffic was queued up, but the Ford Ranger, which had sped off from the Boars pub moments earlier, smashed through the closed barrier, sending debris flying. 

The train was able to stop just before it reached the wreckage of the crossing. 

Police closed the road while they clear up the mess after the incident, pictured in the aftermath of the incident (Image: Viv Johnson)