A level crossing where barrier-dodging drivers have been dicing with death has failed railway industry safety tests.

The Government's chief rail safety watchdog said the Beddingham crossing, near Lewes, had failed a risk assessment.

The HM Railway Inspectorate considers it one of the most dangerous level crossings in the South-East.

It plans to meet with track operator Network Rail to press for speedy improvements.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said the safety tests indicated there was a problem but denied the crossing had failed.

She said misuse by motorists meant there was the potential for accidents.

The intersection, on the A27 between Lewes and Polegate, is a notorious bottleneck and an increasing number of drivers have been weaving between the existing half-barriers as trains approach in order to avoid delays.

Network Rail wants to fit full-width barriers to combat red-light jumpers but the plan has been criticised because it could make jams worse.

Network Rail believes a bridge would be the long-term solution.

Highways chiefs have proposed a flyover as part of £16 million project on that part of the A27.