Rufford ford: Council could close TikTok and YouTube hot spot

A notorious ford that has become a hotspot for YouTubers and TikTokers could permanently close.

Rufford Lane ford in Nottinghamshire has been under a temporary closure order since December 2022 due to safety concerns.

It was prompted by people travelling to the area to film cars driving through it at high speeds, Nottinghamshire County Council said.

A four-week consultation on its future has been launched.

The council's recommendation for a full closure comes after the authority, police and highways bodies considered several options to "ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians".

Other options included improved traffic calming methods, a flood reduction scheme, traffic signals, building a bridge over the ford and restricting access to only approved vehicles.

The ford is one of England's top spots for flood rescues

Councillor Neil Clarke, cabinet member for transport and environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said their recommendation was not a decision they took lightly.

"The long-term solution must be to prioritise public safety and, while we and our partners have considered other options, we feel this can only be effectively achieved by closing Rufford Lane to traffic on a permanent basis," he said.

"I am fully aware that Rufford ford had become a social media phenomenon before the temporary Traffic Regulation Order was put in place.

"However, the option of reopening it has been rejected due to a very significant risk that the anti-social and, at times, dangerous behaviour evidenced at the ford prior to the closure and amplified by social media will return."

The ford is often easily crossed but rain can make the levels rise quickly