A Daunting Drive Through Croydon's Mean Streets
Driving in London is often described as a nightmare by out-of-towners, who cite aggressive drivers, the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), confusing one-way systems, narrow streets, erratic speed limits, endless roadworks, exorbitant parking costs, and some of Europe's most congested roads. Recently, after passing my driving test on the sixth attempt, I was tasked with testing my skills and courage on a journey from Lambeth southward into Caterham, Surrey, traversing Croydon's notoriously difficult roads and roundabouts.
The Journey Begins: Inner-London Crawl
I picked up MyLondon's photographer, Facundo Arrizabalaga, in Loughborough Junction, and we navigated the crowded roads of Brixton and Streatham without incident. These inner-London routes were typically slow-moving, offering a smooth start with no real surprises. However, upon entering Croydon, the drive took a dramatic turn.
Confronting the Lombard Roundabout
The Lombard Roundabout on the A23 is infamous as one of London's most dangerous junctions, featuring four busy entrances and exits. For a newly qualified driver, the temptation to turn back and find an alternative route is strong. I had to head directly south to the second exit, following my instructor's advice to signal only when leaving. Fortunately, traffic was light, and Transport for London (TfL) has reduced the speed limit to 20mph, making it less daunting than anticipated.
Venturing South: Purley Way and Speed Challenges
After safely exiting the roundabout, I continued south on Purley Way, where superstores line the road and greenery increases, signaling a departure from the city. The speed limit jumps to 40mph here, demanding intense concentration. With Facundo, a married father of two, in the passenger seat, I felt the weight of responsibility for our safety. The experience was unsettling as a van undercut me and a speeder raced past on the right, highlighting the dangers of high-speed multi-tonne vehicles. I admit, lower speed limits provide much more comfort.
The Perils of Purley Cross
The next challenge was Purley Cross, a complex junction combining three main A-roads. Unlike Lombard Roundabout, which is in the familiar CR0 area of Croydon, Purley Cross left both Facundo and me utterly disoriented. As residents of Lewisham and Southwark, we shared a mutual sense of confusion. The gyratory is a chaotic scene with cars revving on every corner, poised to dart across. Despite the stress, I checked my mirrors, indicated left, and headed south toward Caterham, completing the second leg of the mission as my cortisol levels began to rise.
Ascending Succomb's Hill
The final stretch led to Succomb's Hill, a steep and narrow road that inspired fear. The 75-metre ascent made my ears pop, and the winding path was harrowing, though luckily devoid of lorries. Other drivers, equally petrified, crawled at a snail's pace. Reaching the top brought a sense of triumph—I had conquered some of South London's most horrific roads, and Facundo's children still had a father.
This journey underscores the intense challenges of driving in Croydon, from treacherous roundabouts to daunting hills, making it an experience I'm unlikely to repeat.
