Child and Adult Hurt in Orpington Crash After Vandalism Shuts Down Traffic Lights
A six-year-old girl and an adult were rushed to hospital with head injuries after a collision in Orpington this morning. The crash happened at a junction where traffic lights and ULEZ cameras were vandalised overnight, sparking chaos on the roads.
Collision Hits Spot of Overnight Vandalism
The smash took place on Court Road just before 8:30am. Police, ambulance, and fire crews were quick to respond. Firefighters arrived at 8:48am to clear a fuel spill, wrapping up by 9:09am. Though both victims suffered head injuries, thankfully their conditions are not life-threatening.
Vandals Left Major Traffic Lights Out of Action
Police are probing damage to five sets of traffic lights across Orpington, struck sometime overnight on January 18. The vandalism also took out ULEZ cameras at key junctions, including Spur Road and Court Road, where camera poles were snapped and traffic lights left powerless.
Two police units were forced off emergency duties to manage the traffic mess, causing delays and raising serious safety concerns.
Police Chief Calls Out Reckless Vandals
Chief Inspector Priya Shome said: “This criminal damage has caused major traffic disruption. Units that should be answering 999 calls spent all morning managing traffic instead. The people responsible are putting the public at risk.”
She added: “This morning’s collision involved two cars at one of the damaged sites, injuring a child. I urge those criminals to stop and think about the dangers they’re causing.”
Residents Warn Protests Mustn’t Threaten Road Safety
Locals say they understand opposition to the ULEZ expansion but warn that vandalising traffic signals crosses a line — putting lives in jeopardy and clogging local streets with chaos.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed: “Shortly before 8.30am on 18 January, two vehicles collided. A six-year-old girl and an adult were taken to hospital for head injuries. Their condition is non-life-threatening.”
The London Fire Brigade also stepped in to deal with a fuel spillage at the junction of Old Priory Avenue and Court Road, sending one fire engine from Orpington station.
As investigations continue, authorities are appealing for anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward.
