TRAFFIC is moving again on the A142 after a lorry had hit the level crossing barrier at Ely, causing it to shatter.

The British Transport Police (BTP) said the incident happened shortly before 7.15am, with the driver colliding with the barrier before driving off from the scene.

The broken barrier fell onto the track and caused holdups for trains travelling through the city, whilst also causing long delays for motorists as lorries and high-sided vehicles queued to get over the crossing.

The Cambridgeshire County Council Highways team said that Station Road was closed at its junction with Angel Drove while repair work was carried out but said that the road was reopened again at about 9.45am.

A spokeswoman for BTP said: “Just before 7.15am it was reported that a vehicle had struck the level crossing barrier.

“Police were called but the driver of the vehicle had failed to stop. Officers are in the process of reviewing CCTV and speaking to witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.”

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 75 of 15/12/2011.