Plans finally revealed to reopen historic ford

TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES, GATES AND SIGNS BEING CONSIDERED

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

PLANS to reopen Rufford Ford have finally been revealed nearly three years after it was closed at the request of police due to safety fears.

CCTV cameras and traffic calming measures to reduce car speeds to 25mph are among the plans for the historic ford, despite Rufford Lane residents having recently told the Post about their fears of the road becoming a “death trap” if it reopens.

Nottinghamshire County Council shut Rufford Ford in December 2022 after it became an internet sensation due to YouTubers filming motorists making failed crossings when water levels were too high.

Crowds from across the country began gathering at weekends to see vehicles splashing through the ford at high speed resulting in a number of reported “near-misses”.

The previous Conservative administration of the county council was months away from bringing in a permanent closure of the ford. But since Reform UK took control of the authority in May there have been suggestions that options to safely reopen it are being considered.

A report has now been published confirming that traffic calming measures are being considered as a way to permanently reopen it.