A serious road traffic collision has caused significant disruption on a key South London artery this morning.
Crash Halts Traffic on Major A-Road
Two vehicles were involved in what has been described as a 'bad crash' on New Kent Road, forcing authorities to close the westbound carriageway. The incident occurred on Friday, 17 January 2026, and was reported in the morning.
The emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service, were called to the scene. The exact nature and severity of any injuries sustained in the collision are not yet known, as official comment is awaited from the authorities.
Widespread Travel Disruption
The closure has caused substantial traffic build-up in the area, with real-time data from services like Google Maps showing heavy congestion and road closures. Drivers are being strongly advised to find alternative routes where possible to avoid the delays.
The impact on public transport has been immediate and considerable. The following seven London bus routes have been placed on diversion:
- Route 1
- Route 53
- Route 63
- Route 172
- Route 188
- Route 363
- Route 453
Passengers on these services should expect longer journey times and are advised to check Transport for London (TfL) for the latest diversion details.
Location and Ongoing Response
New Kent Road is a vital one-kilometre long A-road connecting Elephant and Castle with Bermondsey. Its closure creates a major bottleneck for traffic moving through this part of the capital.
Journalists, including senior reporter Rafi Mauro-Benady, are at the scene gathering information. The public has been asked to share any relevant photos or details by emailing rafi.benady@reachplc.com or calling 07554 518678.
As recovery and investigation work continues, commuters and local residents are urged to plan their journeys carefully. The road is expected to remain closed for some time while emergency crews complete their work.
