Multiple trains were cancelled this morning after a car hit a level crossing in Watford.

At around 8.45am today (May 14) the vehicle crashed into the Watford North level crossing in Bushey Mill Lane, causing damage to the lights on the crossing barriers.

Services were suspended between 8.45am and 9.30am.

A Network Rail mobile operations manager was sent to the scene to check the barriers and was able to give the all-clear for services to resume at 9.30am.

Disruption on the line remained until around 10.15am, before National Rail confirmed services were running normally again. 

The Abbey Line runs between St Albans Abbey and Watford Junction. 

The level crossing that was struck is just to the north of Watford North station and between that stop and Garston.

Rail replacement buses were arranged to run along the Abbey Line route while services were suspended and the 321 Arriva bus service was accepting Abbey Line tickets.

Update: 

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: "Officers received reports of a car damaging the barrier at a level crossing in Watford at around 8.17am today (14 May). 

"Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 110 of 14 May 2024.”