DRIVERS were left stuck in queues of traffic when a railway crossing barrier became stuck down at Moreton, near Crossways.

British transport police and engineers were alerted following the barrier malfunction just after 5.30pm yesterday.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We had a report at 5.32pm, engineers were on route at 6.10pm.

“Dorset Police officers also attended, we contacted British Transport Police as they are responsible for procedures like this. They also attended.

“It caused a bit of traffic chaos but it was just an ordinary malfunction, the barrier just failed in the down position. “ One irate car passenger, who did not wish to be named, said: “There were big queues of people either way.

“The trains were able to keep going but traffic was stopped.

“The police and Network Rail were called but didn’t turn up for more than an hour, it was pretty shocking really, something should’ve been done sooner.”

A Network Rail spokesman said a team was sent out with replacement parts for the level crossing.

He added: “The level crossing has been damaged and the barriers were stuck.

“No traffic could pass through the crossing.”