Rufford ford: Tractor flood video prompts police investigation

Footage showing a tractor driver ignoring a road closure before driving through a flooded ford is being investigated by police.

The video posted online shows the vehicle cross Rufford Lane ford in Nottinghamshire, moving concrete barriers in the process.

Safety concerns led to the accident blackspot being closed last year.

Nottinghamshire County Council said it was "extremely concerned" by the footage.

In the video, the tractor can be seen struggling to get through the deep water, while towing a trailer.

It appears to move concrete barriers out of the water, before driving around them.

Afterwards, other vehicles can be seen attempting to drive through the ford.

Before its closure, the ford had been the location of some of the highest number of flood rescues in England, and YouTube channels of cars and vans crossing it - and often becoming stranded - have had millions of views.

A highways manager from Nottinghamshire County Council said: "While we, and colleagues across the county are busy working together in the process of supporting communities still at risk in this severe weather episode, we were extremely concerned to see anyone showing disregard for the situation, putting themselves and others in danger."

The barriers had since been reinstated and the road remains closed to traffic, they added.

Insp Charlotte Ellam, Nottinghamshire Police district commander for Newark and Sherwood, said officers were trying to trace the driver of the tractor.

"We are aware of videos circulating online showing vehicles attempting to drive through Rufford Ford, Rufford Lane, near Ollerton, despite it being flooded," she said.

"Our officers have been provided with a video from the scene appearing to show a vehicle causing damage to street furniture while trying to cross the ford.

"The ford has been closed for some time now, with bollards being placed there to prevent vehicles gaining access, and these will remain in place going forward.

"For obvious reasons, driving through the ford is dangerous, especially at a time when water levels are high, so we'd ask motorists to please respect this closure."

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