Moped rider, 22, left to die after hit-and-run at 'deathtrap junction' in Kingston
A young moped rider has tragically lost his life in a hit-and-run incident at a junction described as a 'deathtrap' in south west London. The victim, aged 22, sustained fatal injuries near Kingston Bridge shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday, 7 February.
Police hunt for driver who fled the scene
Detectives are urgently searching for the driver of a dark-coloured vehicle that collided with the moped before fleeing, leaving the rider to die at the scene. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made, and officers are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the area in an effort to identify the suspect vehicle.
In a statement, the Met said: 'The collision, between a car and a moped, happened on Saturday, 7 February at 11.30pm on Wood Street at the junction with Horse Fair in Kingston. Sadly, the driver of the moped, a man aged 22, died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, described as dark-coloured, failed to stop at the scene and enquiries are ongoing to trace them.'
Locals describe 'chaos' and call for junction redesign
Residents have voiced their concerns about the hazardous nature of the junction at the corner of Horse Fair and Wood Street. Mark Godstone, 47, told reporters: 'It's a horror junction that goes from three lanes to two and can be very confusing. There are lots of accidents here. On the night this one happened, it was chaotic.'
He added that police and a local woman with a torch worked to manage traffic and prevent further incidents. Amanda Cross, a resident living near Wood Street, emphasised the dangers: 'That junction is a deathtrap. Especially with so many delivery riders, electric scooters and the like on the roads. The one-way system around Kingston town centre needs rethinking.'
Ongoing investigation and community impact
Specialist officers are providing support to the victim's family as the investigation continues. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, including dashcam footage, to come forward by calling 101. The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames has been approached for comment regarding potential safety improvements at the junction.
This incident highlights ongoing traffic safety issues in London, particularly at complex junctions where accidents are reportedly common. The community's call for a redesign of the one-way system underscores the need for enhanced road infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users like moped riders and e-scooter operators.
