A Bentley Continental GTC caused hours of disruption in Berkeley Square after it was parked in a restricted area, blocking a bus and bringing the morning rush hour to a standstill.
The vehicle was left at the kerbside in a position that prevented the bus from safely passing through a narrowed section of the road created by nearby construction works.
The obstruction left taxis, delivery vans, motorcycles and cyclists unable to proceed, and with no alternative route available, Berkeley Square and surrounding streets became gridlocked as traffic continued to build.
The disruption occurred outside Lansdowne House, where redevelopment work is under way to convert the site into a commercial building featuring 225,000 square feet of office space and 14,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space
The bus driver declined to attempt the manoeuvre, saying: “I don’t want to reverse or make any micro-adjustments that might get the bus through because I don’t want to be responsible for any damage to my brand-new bus.”
Construction workers at the scene also refused to move traffic cones to create additional space, saying they were concerned about being held liable if the bus was damaged or someone was injured.
It took 45 minutes for the Metropolitan Police to respond after the bus became stranded and contact a vehicle recovery company.
Officers told motorists a tow truck would not be available for a while because the recovery team was in a meeting.
The senior Officer said: “There is not much more I can do despite the urgency of the situation.”
Some members of the public and staff from nearby businesses searched local restaurants and shops in an attempt to locate the Bentley’s owner.
Two hours after the incident began, a man in a business suit arrived and drove the Bentley away. Witnesses said he had been sent to collect the vehicle on behalf of its owner.
It is not known whether the driver or owner of the Bentley was issued with a penalty or faced any other enforcement action.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has experienced similar traffic problems in central London is invited to contact Transport for London via the Streetcare website
Feature image credit: Sylvie Richards
