MOTORISTS travelling through the New Forest faced long delays yesterday due to a level crossing failure.

The A337 Lymington Road was blocked both ways after signal crossing barriers were stuck in the down position around Church Lane near Brockenhurst station.

Owen Johns, a Network Rail spokesman, said: “The level crossing barriers at Brockenhurst station developed a fault shortly before 2pm meaning that vehicles and pedestrians are unable to use the crossing.

“A Network Rail engineer was sent to the site to rectify the fault . I’d like to thank road users for their patience “Train services through Brockenhurst were unaffected by the incident.”

Mr Johns also said that Network Rail worked with Hampshire Constabulary to divert traffic around the crossing.

The barrier fault was rectified by 4pm.