Kingston flooding: reports of abandoned cars as part of A3 shuts for over 12 hours

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter

5th Oct 2021 | Local News

A stretch of Kingston's A3 has been closed for more than 12 hours following reports of cars being abandoned due to flooding.

The A3 Southbound from Kingston Vale to Coombe Lane has been shut to traffic since 4.42am.

According to one commuter, vehicles were dumped on the road this morning as motorists struggled to drive in the floods.

Kingston resident Andrew Rothery warned other drivers of the chaos on the A3 from Putney Vale to Raynes Park.

"Road flooded and cars have been dumped from trying to get past over night," he wrote in a Facebook community post at 8am.

"Also large puddles northbound on other side. Take care driving up there this morning."

Andrew, who was driving north on the dual carriageway, told Nub News: "The opposite carriageway was in a terrible state."

He is concerned about how he'll get home from work tonight.

"I have to take a 20 min detour to get home later now. Not ideal with the fuel shortage," he added.

While part of the A3 has been re-opened, the Southbound stretch between Kingston Vale and Coombe Hill is still closed.

There are fears that long detours could put strain on petrol supplies which are already running low.

Other commuters also took to Facebook to describe the morning's chaos as floods hit roads across the borough.

Surbiton, New Malden and Long Ditton were affected by severe delays due to the congestion from road closures.

Hook underpass was shut for the 4th time in 3 months and a bridge under New Malden also suffered flash flooding.

A video on Twitter this morning showed Kings Road, near Richmond Park, completely flooded with water.

Many took to Facebook neighbourhood groups to warn others.

In a comment on a post about the floods, Matt O'Toole wrote: "Awful this morning, had to do a massive detour because of the flooding at Hook underpass."

NHS worker James Brown added: "This was impossible to drive through and anywhere when I finished work at about 5am...literally ambulances and emergency services vehicles could not get anywhere."

And New Malden resident Maddie Highet complained to the Surrey Comet about flooding under the bridge and gridlocked traffic.

""The Council have apparently spent £6million on drainage and this is the result."

Transport for London told Nub News the section of A3 would be opening soon.

A TFL spokesperson said: "Due to heavy rain throughout the early hours of the morning, there has been flooding in different areas across the capital, which has had an impact on the road network.

"We have been working hard with borough councils to clear excess water and open roads as quickly and safely as possible and we're sorry for any disruption caused."

Kingston Council have been contacted for comment.

How have the floods been affecting you? Send us your stories and pictureshere - or "Nub It" on our site.

     

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