A lorry collided with a tree last night following a residential appeal for Lewisham Council to ban HGVs from the road after one jack-knifed and shed it's load in June.

Residents of Drakefell Road, Brockley, watched as the sides of the recycling lorry caught the branches of an over-hanging tree, splitting it in two and sending it into the path of oncoming traffic.

The high-sided lorry, which had steep sides, was travelling down the quiet residential street towards Nunhead when the incident occurred with police being called to the scene at approximately 7pm.

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Police at the scene of the heavy goods vehicle incident

Resident Gillian Piggott, 47, said: “This incident is part of a pattern of accidents of this kind that lead us to believe it is no longer safe to live on Drakefell Road. Increasing volumes of HGVs, coaches and cars are rat-running along our street and blighting our lives with danger, noise and vibrations.”

The doctor added: “I’ve spoken to some of the nearby residents, and they’re very shaken by this and very angry that it should happen. How many more accidents involving huge vehicles do we have to suffer on our street before Lewisham council listens to our concerns and does something about them?”

Ms Piggott chairs the Drakefell Road Action Group (DRAG) who have asked Lewisham Council to ban HGVs from the road, reduce traffic volume and re-design the street to free up pavements for pedestrians.

A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: “We recognise the seriousness of this issue and action has been taken to reduce the number of large vehicles using the route by installing width and weight restrictions. A temporary speed indicator device is also planned for 2014/15. We are working with the police to assist in whatever way we can to support the enforcement of the restrictions that are in place.”