Car crash at lights

[Martin Cassini]

Cycling through Mayfair last night, I came across the aftermath of an accident at the junction of Park Lane and Upper Brook Street. See photos (taken on phone - sorry about quality). According to witnesses and those involved, the Merc turned right at Brook Gate on a green light, while the Honda Jazz hadn’t seen the lights as it headed south on Park Lane. The Honda hit the Merc and rammed it up the pavement. Bikes and railings were bent. By lucky fluke there were no pedestrians present. When I asked the slightly shell-shocked drivers if they would have been driving differently if there were no lights at the junction, they said, yes, we would have been driving more slowly. Another thing I noted is how dark and undifferentiated the crossroads is. With a pale road surface and no signals, or maybe amber-flashing signals, junctions like that would be rendered safe and fit for people.