Closed
Large blunt tree branch at head height on path
Reported via desktop in the Debris in the carriageway category anonymously at 13:36, Wed 22 June 2022
Sent to TfL less than a minute later. TfL ref: FMS3615465.
Close to the higher part of the pathway leaving Kidbrooke Pk Rd, before it is rejoined by the slope up from the underpass. There are two big branches ends at head height in the middle of the path which are hidden by other slim branches and leaves. They have been pruned (at head height?!?) in the past so they have very blunt cut ends with comparatively sharp corners. They are a bit thicker than an old fashioned broom handle. I am only 174 cm tall, for scale in the photos and the passer by in the context shot was about 165 but she is a few metres in front of the branch ends. Perhaps the weight of summer growth is pulling down a pruning point that was much higher when cut, but it is definitely dangerous, especially as the ends are hidden at the bottom of overhanging vegetation that looks quite flimsy. You do not expect the bottom of hanging greenery to be hiding a 5cm diameter blunt branch. I was on a bike, but travelling fairly slow as I am a slow cyclist anyway, plus I'd just been at a stop at the road crossing, plus it's a shared path. I hit the crown of my head quite hard, enough to wait for a couple of minutes before getting back on my bike, and it is still bruised and tender 48 hours later. I wasn't being reckless and did duck or perhaps it would hit me in the nose or my eye or worse.
Updates
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Thank you for taking the time to report this to us. It is much appreciated. Our team had investigated this for you and found that this doesn't fall under the responsibility of Transport for London and comes under the remit of the local borough. You may therefore wish to report this issue by using www.fixmystreet.com, or directly to the borough. Should you need anything else, please contact our customer services team on 0343 222 1234
State changed to: not TfL’s responsibility
Posted by TfL at 13:41, Wed 22 June 2022
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.