Extra bus route will add yet more stress on homes and occupants, say residents

By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter

A road where traffic is so bad residents’ houses shake and crack is set to get even more buses running down it.

Timetable changes mean the 284 between Grove Park Cemetery and Lewisham railway station will pass down Sandhurst Road in Hither Green more often.

Residents fear congestion and pollution caused by traffic in the street, which is on four daytime bus routes, will get even worse now the changes have come into force.

Chris Bean, 71, who has lived in the street for 44 years, said: “There have always been buses going up and down Sandhurst but the number is increasing. The houses weren’t designed for the traffic that we get in this day and age.

“When you have heavy loads and buses thundering down the road, all the front of the house can shake. That can’t be doing them any good.”

Alison Howard, 35, who has lived in Sandhurst Road since 2019, said: “We’ve got five bus routes: the 160, the 284, the 124, the 181 and the N171. Our biggest issue is buses and cars that come hurtling down the street.

“It’s a 20mph zone and we frequently get cars and buses doing easily double that. We have a major problem with houses cracking from all the vibration.”

Residents like Mr Bean and Ms Howard have for years been campaigning for Lewisham council and the police to take more action to tackle speeding motorists and those who park their car on the pavement.

Ms Howard acknowledged the council had cracked down on drivers leaving their cars on the pavement since the issue was first highlighted in Sandhurst Road in 2024.

But she said the Labour-run council had so far failed to take enough steps to stop cars and buses speeding down the road.

Matthew Sparkes, who also lives in the street, said: “I think Lewisham council has sacrificed Sandhurst Road.

“It’s classed as an area of deprivation, with lots of HMOs, and they seem to be funnelling all the traffic, pollution and shaking buses down this tiny residential street to protect nearby wealthy roads.”

A Lewisham council spokesman said: “We have been working closely with residents in Sandhurst Road to resolve these issues.

“In response, we have increased enforcement in the area and are in the process of introducing new measures (planters and street furniture) to calm traffic and prevent inconsiderate parking.

“The council has also undertaken a comprehensive consultation with local residents as part of the Sustainable Streets programme to explore proposals to address these issues.

“The results of this consultation are currently being analysed and will be published soon.”

Pictured top: Nat and Matthew Sparkes in Sandhurst Road – home to cramped pavements and extra buses (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga)