Drivers keep getting stuck on housing estate stairs thinking it’s a shortcut
Multiple drivers have become stuck on a set of stairs in the middle of a London housing estate – after apparently mistaking the route for a shortcut.
Residents at Maitland Park Estate in Camden say there have been five incidents of cars becoming trapped on the steps in the last month alone.
But while locals can see the funny side when drivers take a wrong turn, they have also voiced concerns over the possibility of someone getting hurt, especially children who happily roam the estate.
Camden Council has now said it will take action to stop cars mistakenly ending up on the stairs.
Aron Kennedy, who has lived on the estate nearly all his life, says drivers who fall victim to the steps often claim that their sat navs took them that way – although he finds this hard to believe.
The 37-year-old said: ‘They all tried to say Google Maps sent them that way but that’s unbelievable. A bunch of us on the estate tested it out and none of our maps suggested going that way.
‘It’s because they think it’s a shortcut. But they’re taking a shortcut to nowhere.’
Mr Kennedy, a van driver, said he started speaking out about the issue because he became worried that someone would get hurt.
He said: ‘At first, we all found it funny. But then we started looking at it from the safety perspective.
‘What if kids were sitting at the bottom of the stairs? What if they came around the corner? It’s dangerous. They could get knocked down.’
The long-time resident said he is relieved that Camden Council are finally taking action – but added that it shouldn’t have taken so long.
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Mr Kennedy said: ‘It all happened because there’s a tiny road outside of the pathway to the stairs – and that route used to be blocked off by a fire gate.
‘But the fire gate got left open for a while and no one sorted it for ages. I think now that it’s gotten some attention people are getting in trouble.’
Camden Council said: ‘The safety of all our residents and visitors to the estate is a priority to us. The gate to this area is secured with a padlock and two lockable bollards will also be installed to further ensure that vehicles cannot mistakenly enter.’
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