Dramatic footage has captured the moment a car crashed into a planter on Wandsworth Bridge Road in Fulham, just yards from where people often sit. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has reignited debates over the safety of the council-installed parklets.
Details of the Incident
The video, recorded by an Associated Security Group camera, shows an individual walking along the pavement with the planter behind them. A car drives safely past, but a second vehicle suddenly appears and collides with the planter, which then strikes a parklet, sending soil flying across the pavement. The footage is dated April 22 at around 7.30pm, but it is believed the crash actually happened early the following morning, as the camera's time may have been inaccurate.
A spokesperson for Hammersmith and Fulham Council confirmed that emergency services attended the scene, but no injuries were reported. The council installed the planters and parklets as part of the South Fulham Clean Air Neighbourhood (CAN) scheme, which also includes cameras to deter rat-running drivers from outside the borough.
Controversy Surrounding the Parklets
The parklets, designed to provide seating for pedestrians and protect them from traffic, have been a source of contention since their installation. Critics have raised concerns about congestion and safety, with previous incidents involving vehicles hitting the planters. In December, a woman on a Lime bike narrowly avoided serious injury when she became trapped between a lorry and a parklet.
Caroline Shuffrey, a local resident and vocal opponent of the scheme, stated: "The parklets and their 'sacrificial' planters were placed on this strategic London road, which carries tens of thousands of vehicles daily, without an experimental traffic order or Transport for London's agreement. They have been involved in numerous accidents, some extremely serious. Thousands of residents have objected, but the council has not removed them." She added that local MP Ben Coleman has been contacted about the matter.
Council's Response and Future Plans
A council spokesperson said: "We understand police were called after a car driver crashed into a protective planter at approximately 4.15am on Thursday morning in a 20mph zone. No injuries were reported after emergency services were called."
The local authority is planning further upgrades to Wandsworth Bridge Road to transform it into a high street destination. However, the works have faced delays, with the council having to "return to the design stage" after consulting Transport for London. A new "updated corridor vision" is expected later this year.
Previously, a council spokesperson stated: "We remain committed to working collaboratively with our residents and businesses, through consultation and engagement, to transform Wandsworth Bridge Road from a highway into a high street that is vibrant and more accessible – a place of which we can all be proud."
