Motorists were stuck in traffic during rush-hour as a level crossing in the town was stuck for over an hour-and-a-half.
The level crossing barriers on Uttoxeter Road, just off the junction with Lichfield Road near the Three Crowns pub, was stuck between 5pm and 6.40pm on Wednesday 29th February when a mechanical failure was finally fixed by Network Rail workers.
The stuck barriers left huge queues on Lichfield Road, stretching as far back as St Michael’s First School.
Stone resident Julie Bond was stuck in the traffic and said the level crossing barriers have been a “complete nightmare” for years and were one of the reasons she decided to move to a different part of the town.
Julie said: “We lived up there for six years and I lost count of the number of times I had to call work to say ‘I’m stuck again’, or call home to say I was at the crossing, stuck again. Many people turn around and go through Hilderstone or Sandon. I moved house.”
Tom Williams lives on the Aston Lodge estate and says the crossing is “the bane of everyone’s life who lives there”.
He said: “You have to plan your journeys around the barrier. Even when it’s working properly, it’s down for six, seven, eight minutes.”
5 comments
Mr Angry
Yes, I was incensed by the whole incident. I had purchased fish & chips, a portion of mushy peas and a large sausage from Walton Fish Bar. By the time I got home they were all cold. Do you think I can sue Network Rail for the cost of my spoiled meal?
Philip
if the barriers are going to get stuck it’s better they be ‘stuck down’ than ‘stuck up’…
Monopod.org.uk
Can’t argue with that! I still “check” as I drive across them! Not a lot I could do if a train was coming! :o)
Gill
utter bedlam!
Jon Cook
I think it would be really handy if there was a contingency for when this happens. Could the local police have attended to move traffic along? Maybe a sign posted diversion route for those who don’t know?