Home   Malling   News   Article

'We could have been killed' says woman after pensioner crashes car into Snodland garden fence

A 76-year-old woman has described the horrifying moment a pensioner crashed a car into her garden fence, narrowly missing a passing schoolboy.

Carol Buffini was at home with her husband Noel when a purple Honda ploughed through their brick wall and wooden fence in Wyvern Close, Snodland, and ended up in their back garden.

Mrs Buffini has “fought” with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council in a bid to have parking measures implemented due to the volume of parents parking in the area as they wait for their children leaving St Katherine’s School.

Carol Buffini's wall was destroyed, along with her fence, when a 79-year-old man lost control of his car and crashed into her garden
Carol Buffini's wall was destroyed, along with her fence, when a 79-year-old man lost control of his car and crashed into her garden

She said: “We are getting abuse and our paths are being damaged.

“Dirty nappies are left around here and ash trays are being emptied onto the road.

“If anybody needs an ambulance down here they can’t get through.

"Some of the people here are in their 90s. Some have mobility scooters.

Carol Buffini's wall was destroyed, along with her fence, when a 79-year-old man lost control of his car and crashed into her garden
Carol Buffini's wall was destroyed, along with her fence, when a 79-year-old man lost control of his car and crashed into her garden
Carol Buffini's wall was destroyed, along with her fence, when a 79-year-old man lost control of his car and crashed into her garden
Carol Buffini's wall was destroyed, along with her fence, when a 79-year-old man lost control of his car and crashed into her garden

“If I had been out in my garden at the time of the crash I would have been killed.

"On Friday there were school children there and one of the lads could have been killed too.”

A 79-year-old was looked after by neighbours while Mr and Mrs Buffini cleaned up the wreckage after the crash on Friday, June 29.

The council has emphasised it is in pursuit of parents flouting parking laws and fines are regularly handed out to anybody parked illegally.

Carol Buffini, of Wyvern Close, Snodland, stands at the gap in her fence and wall where a motorist lost control of their car and crashed through into her garden. Picture: Andy Payton
Carol Buffini, of Wyvern Close, Snodland, stands at the gap in her fence and wall where a motorist lost control of their car and crashed through into her garden. Picture: Andy Payton

A spokesman said: “Unfortunately, though the single yellow line acts as a deterrent to most, there are still some drivers prepared to risk a penalty charge notice for the convenience of dropping their child off.

“Parking outside schools is an emotive issue for parents as well, and it is not uncommon for our staff to encounter verbal abuse and threats of violence, which leads us to arrange school patrols in pairs or with a Police presence.

“An incident of damage to property by school pick-up traffic has been reported to the Borough Council and the resident was advised that this would be an issue between the homeowner, the driver in question and their respective insurance companies.”

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More