Car crash is latest fearful episode in Lewisham road where accidents wait to happen
A dramatic crash involving two cars somehow did not end with any serious injuries – but a resident who captured images on camera says an accident is always waiting to happen in her street.
The incident happened at around 9.45pm on Saturday on the B2142 Drakefell Road, Lewisham.
A Met spokesman confirmed no arrests had been made and that nobody had been seriously injured.
The road runs parallel to the railway line between Nunhead and Brockley and has reportedly been the subject of a fatality in the past.
Resident Emily Elkington said: “There are lots of accidents on this very busy, narrow, rat-run. I’ve seen big trucks shed their loads attempting impossible turns when they realise their satnav has taken them to a width-restrictor.
“There are many residents who could share their own experiences of nearly being run over. Me included. We’ve been campaigning for decades, but nothing ever changes.
“There are schools, parks, train stations and lots of residents and pedestrians using this road which is unsuitable to take the large volume of traffic which is funnelled down it. It is a dangerous road.”
The Drakefell Road Action Group was set up three decades ago after a child was killed on this road to address this issue. Lewisham council listened and built one apron at a particularly lethal spot and numerous attempts made by different residents over the years to make the road safer.
“Nothing substantial has happened in 27 years I’ve been there,” Ms Elkington said. “One scuffed zebra crossing at far end of this long road must be 500m away from the accident site.
“Apart from that just a few traffic islands, with marker arrows on them always bashed by cars, there’s little. There are signs that say it’s a 20mph zone but I can’t see a single speed camera.
“I read somewhere we had highest volume of traffic of any B road in Lewisham. At least A roads get more in way of crash barriers and traffic lights.”
Deputy Mayor Louise Krupski, Lewisham council’s cabinet member for environment, transport and climate action said: “We are concerned about the accident that took place on Drakefell Road.
“Police have now confirmed this instance was the result of driver error – which could not have been prevented by road safety measures.
“Over the last year, the Council has been working hard with the community to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers at both Drakefell Road and Gellatley Road and have now introduced five new uncontrolled pedestrian crossings, removed dangerous trees interfering with the footpath and made the Gellatley Road footpath safer and more accessible.
“Our officers continue to work with local councillors and resident groups to monitor the effectiveness of these road safety improvements.”
Pictured top: Overturned car in Drakefell Road (Picture: Emily Elkington)