Act Now!

Permanent closure is the only safe and sensible solution.

The Evidence is Clear

We hope our website has persuaded you beyond any doubt that the only common sense, and cost effective option on offer is permanent closure.

Danger at Rufford Ford is fuelled by a global social media phenomenon. The ford has been turned into a stage for content creators, where reckless behaviour is rewarded with views and wealth. As long as the "stage" exists, the circus will continue. Engineering fixes like speed humps will not solve the problem — they simply add new obstacles for creators to film, increasing the "spectacle" and the risk to the public.

Then there's the floods — more regular and unpredictable than ever. These events frequently stranded vehicles, forcing emergency services into a rescue. Barriers won't solve the problem - manual closure is a logistical nightmare while automated systems remain highly vulnerable to failure, either because of flood-borne debris or people deliberately tampering with them, determined to keep the "stage" open.

We cannot afford to commit the safety of all to chance.

Accepting reality

For months, the direction of travel in all analyses was that closure was the only economic and effective solution. However, following a change of administration, the new Council leader asked, in August 2025, 'for a more detailed consideration of traffic calming as a potential solution', even though this solution so obviously ignores the expert data and opinion.

But sooner or later even they will have to accept that closure will be the inevitable end, just as it was at Stanhope.

We have a chance to stop them wasting council tax-payers money. Now's your chance to take action: Object to the current proposal!

Some reasons to object:

  • Proposed engineering measures will not stop the social media crowds - if anything the evidence suggests it will encourage more reckless behaviour.
  • The scheme is a waste of public money - for both the initial installation and ongoing maintenance and/or inevitable repairs due to vandalism.
  • The proposal lacks critical detail - we are being consulted on a half developed plan.
  • Populism and convenience should never trump safety.
  • The lane has become a popular and safe route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders — opening the ford will stop this in an instant.
  • Since the ford has been closed to vehicles, the area has seen the return of a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers and even occasional otters.
  • The proposal ignores the council's own expert advice - humps will not be effective at controlling vehicle speed, especially vehicles like 4x4s. Barriers will prove difficult if not impossible to properly manage, putting drivers and rescue services in danger.
  • The plan doesn't explain how or when the gates will be operated; if they require a human to monitor and close them manually, the response could be too slow for a flash flood. If they are operated automatically they will be prone to malfunction
  • The "spectacle" of the water is the primary draw; as long as the ford is driveable, the antisocial crowds and dangers will return, regardless of the presence of road humps or CCTV.
  • Reopening the road would create an immediate conflict between vehicles and the large groups who gather to film them.
  • The noise pollution from engine revving and racing up and down, and cacophony of the shouting crowds is incompatible with what visitors to Rufford Park would expect to be quiet and tranquil.
  • Convenience for a few drivers must not outweigh the proven risk to life and limb. The detour via the A614 is only a few minutes long; this minor inconvenience to drivers is a very small price to pay for the continued safety and peace of the area.
  • CCTV in such a rural location will inevitably be susceptible to vandalism.

Reject the current proposal and instead demand that the council returns to its original expert recommendation of permanent closure. Ensure your voice is heard before the deadline.

And if you use the Quick Email function below - please take the time to edit the email, to tailor it so it reflects your opinions on the two measures being considered (road humps and barriers). Spending that extra bit of time will ensure that your specific comments and objections are considered fully by the council, rather than being treated as if they were merely a petition. But don't worry if you don't have the time to tweak the email message - getting your objection submitted is the most important thing.

Thank You!

Access the Council Consultation Portal

Alternatively, email your objections manually to tmconsultation@viaem.co.uk or send by post to:

Improvements Design Team, Via East Midlands Ltd,
Bilsthorpe Depot, Bilsthorpe Business Park,
Eakring Road, Bilsthorpe, Newark, NG22 8ST

By 30th January 2026 at the very latest.

Don't delay, ACT NOW and save Rufford Ford from the onslaught.