CAR-NAGE in South Croydon as veteran run sent on diversion

PHOTOSTORY EXCLUSIVE

The world’s oldest annual rally of veteran cars was brought to a near-standstill in Croydon this morning, with dozens of pre-1905 vehicles spluttering and overheating in a traffic jam on South End when they encountered the reality of 21st-Century motoring: temporary traffic lights.

An estimated 60 vehicles from this year’s entry of 400 cars for the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run were sent on diversion, only to then encounter another set of temporary lights within 200 yards, halting their progress towards the south coast.

The frustrations and concerns of drivers and their passengers and crews was plain to see as they queued along Southbridge Road. Some cars broke down and needed urgent attention. Or some water for their overheating radiator.

One intrepid driver took their own detour, off Lower Coombe Street and down Keens Road and then up the steepish gradient of Bramley Hill. Another chugged along followed closely by a bright orange RAC repair van, anticipating the problems to come.

Gas mains works on South End, on Southbridge Road and further along the Brighton Road towards South Croydon bus garage, have been causing traffic jams for more contemporary vehicles for the past couple of weeks. Although there were no works being undertaken today, their temporary traffic lights were still operating.

In previous years, such hindrances are cleared away in advance of the London to Brighton. But not this year. Not in Croydon.

The veteran cars started setting off from Hyde Park just before 7am, as scheduled. Once through Streatham, Thornton Heath and Norbury, the cars drove under the Croydon Flyover and were supposed to take a sharp left at Lower Coombe Street, leading to permanent traffic lights before a right turn on to South End.

But with a traffic jam forming along South End behind the red light of temporary lights near the junction of Aberdeen Road, organisers started diverting the veteran cars down Southbridge Road. They encountered temporary traffic lights at the southern end of that street, too.

Around 100 different makes of vintage vehicles were taking part in the 2026 rally, including familiar marque Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Renault and Peugeot, as well as history pieces made by Mors, De Dion Bouton, Brush, Covert, Flint, Humber, Knox and Gladiator.

Among those cars brought to a halt by the South Croydon traffic jam was Genevieve, the 1904 Darracq 12-hp car that starred in the 1953 British comedy film.

The diversions and delays lasted for almost an hour, by which time the traffic queues had eased and most cars, apart from the ones that broke down, were able to continue their journey south.

The organisers at the Royal Automobile Club have been approached for comment.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

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