Motorists have been left furious after a newly installed ‘killer kerb’ was installed in a popular tourist destination. The 13-inch high kerb is said to have done thousands of pounds worth of damage to petrol, diesel and electric vehicles, but is said to create a “welcoming environment for pedestrians”.
Around 11,000 vehicles pass the kerb daily, and the site is even listed as a tourist attraction on Google Maps. The kerb is around 100 metres from Salisbury train station, one of the most popular destinations in Wiltshire. Tom Curtress, 34, from Berkshire, is one of those who has been most affected by vehicle damage.
Tom, who struck the side of the kerb in his Ford Focus, said his model now needs two new doors fitted. However, more surprisingly, he quickly noticed a BMW doing exactly the same thing around 15 minutes later.
He explained: “It was an identical issue, coming from the station. It’s not just causing a little scuff. It’s causing dents. If you drive from the station, you can’t see the kerb from the driver’s side. It’s a tight turn and you don’t want to go into the oncoming traffic. I took one video where around 50% of the cars, to avoid it, had their driver’s side on the other side of the road.”
A dedicated social media page associated with documenting the damage the kerb has caused now has over 4,000 followers. However, many have suggested it was down to road users themselves for striking the kerb in the first place.
Heather Armstrong, a business owner of nearby Gullicks Florists, stressed that the issues were resulting in traffic chaos around the area.
Heather said: “Literally everyday a vehicle will go into the kerb and people get stuck on it. If someone gets stuck on there it does cause problems with traffic building up. I know it’s there, so I know to pull out further. For some people, it’s not that visible.
“When there was a railing there it gave some more guidance. You have to swing out the other way, and sometimes with traffic coming the other way, that’s not possible.”
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said: “This is a key junction providing access to the railway station and city centre, with approximately 11,000 vehicles passing under the Fisherton Street railway bridge each day.
“It is important that the infrastructure installed at this location supports pedestrian safety, especially with the recent opening of Fisherton car park for SWR customers, which has increased footfall in the area.”
