News from Bromley Labour

3 accidents in 12 hours, five this month – when will Bromley Council act?

People living in Kings Hall Road, Beckenham, have been complaining about the speed reduction measures the council introduced just over a year ago.

They want the speed of traffic slowed in their road. But the large central islands that the council installed have not slowed the traffic and have led to more accidents than ever on this busy rush hour commuter route.

The latest incidents were over the weekend when there were three accidents in less than 12 hours. Sunday evening, a van finished up wrapped around a tree, Monday morning a lorry failed to take the bend safely and hit the previously damaged van, and then an hour later another lorry ran along the grass verge in an attempt to avoid the traffic island. The driver failed, collided with the traffic island, and his tyre blew out.

Ever since the traffic islands were installed, local people have complained about cars hitting the islands or the street trees. Motorists also go round the islands on the wrong side to avoid having to slow down. Residents have asked the council to remove the islands but the Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Cllr Colin Smith has refused to take any action until the scheme has been operational for a year.

Cllr John Getgood, Penge & Cator, said:

“I have been told of at least 10 incidents in the last twelve months. Trees have been damaged, several garden walls demolished and ambulances called on at least three occasions. This problem has been caused by the council’s unwillingness to take appropriate action to slow down speeding motorists. As a result, residents are suffering. We have been asking the council to change this plan since it was installed. This particular island needs to be removed before someone is seriously hurt.

“Recently, the council installed traffic bollards to slow down cars in Southborough Road, Bromley. When these caused damage to cars, the council had to make payments to the motorists concerned. How long before the council will start paying damages to people affected by this scheme?”

Other news from Bromley Labour

• Bromley Council Tax to rise after Tories fail to back Labour's call for a freeze - 17 February 2010
• London's Conservative Councils are a threat to the Freedom Pass - 8 February 2010
• Good services have to be paid for in Bromley - 8 February 2010