Drivers following sat navs get stuck on housing estate stairs

Residents at Maitland Park Estate in Haverstock, Camden, say there have been five incidents of cars getting trapped on the steps in the past month alone. 

But while locals can see the funny side, they have also voiced concerns over the possibility of someone getting hurt - especially children. 

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Camden Council has now said it will take action to stop cars ending up on the stairs. 

Aron Kennedy, who has lived on the estate nearly all his life, said drivers who fall victim to the steps often claim that their sat navs took them that way, but finds it hard to believe. 

Residents seeing the funny side of cars going the wrong way but have raised concerns a child could get hurt (Image: Aron Kennedy / SWNS)

The 37-year-old said: “They all tried to say Google Maps sent them that way but that's unbelievable. 

"A bunch of us on the estate tested it out and none of our maps suggested going that way. 

"It's because they think it's a shortcut. But they're taking a shortcut to nowhere." 

Mr Kennedy, a van driver, said he started speaking out about the issue because he was worried that someone would get hurt. 

Residents on the Maitland Park estate have been taking pictures of cars where motorists have apparently been led by Sat Nav on to steps (Image: SWNS)

He said: “At first, we all found it funny. But then we started looking at it from the safety perspective. 

"What if kids were sitting at the bottom of the stairs? What if they came around the corner? 

"It's dangerous. They could get knocked down." 

He said he was relieved that Camden Council are finally taking action - but added it shouldn't have taken so long.

Mr Kennedy said: "It all happened because there's a tiny road outside the pathway to the stairs - and that route used to be blocked off by a fire gate. 

"But the fire gate got left open for a while and no one sorted it for ages.  I think now that it's got some attention people are getting in trouble." 

Camden Council said: “The safety of all our residents and visitors to the estate is a priority to us. 

“The gate to this area is secured with a padlock and two lockable bollards will also be installed to further ensure that vehicles cannot mistakenly enter.”