Brighton Council urged to act after mum crashes into Elm Grove bollard

Joanna Nowicki, her 11-year-old son Maxi, who has epilepsy, and her autistic six-year-old daughter Phoenix, suffered concussion and whiplash after their car collided with the bollard on the junction with Hampden Road, in Elm Grove, Brighton.

The 42-year-old said she did not see the bollard, which she said is supposed to be lit, until the “very last moment” owing to heavy rain and fading evening light.

The single parent has since been told by residents in the area that there have been multiple crashes and incidents involving the bollard.

Ms Nowicki's car has been written off following the collision (Image: Joanna Nowicki)

She has also been in touch with Hanover and Elm ward councillor for Brighton and Hove City Council Steph Powell, who said measures are “being urgently looked into” to make the road safer.

“It was really rainy and it was about quarter to five, so it was already getting dark,” Joanna said.

“The streetlight doesn’t come on until five o’clock and it was one of those bollards that is supposed to be lit up.

“We were coming down the hill at normal speed.

“It was a Sunday, so all the cars were parked parallel to the island where the bollards are.

“And you’ve got to drive right in the middle of the road to avoid the parked cars.

“And then because of the incline of the hill and oncoming headlights and because the bollard was unlit, I didn’t see it until the very last minute.

“By that point you have to decide whether to go to the side and potentially into pedestrians or straight into the bollard.

“Loads have residents have come out and said, “I can’t believe this has happened again this is the tenth accident there this year”.”

Phoenix and Maxi suffered concussion (Image: Joanna Nowicki)

The incident has had a profound effect on the family.

“It has completely messed us up,” said Joanna.

“My car’s a write off, the whole of the bottom was ripped off.

“My 11-year-old son was in the front, my six-year-old daughter in the back, concussed, whiplash. It’s been mad. They’ve missed school.”

The bollard after the crash (Image: Joanna Nowicki)

She has now urged the council to act.

“It’s interesting there has been this history, but still nothing has happened,” she said.

“It’s going to happen again and next time it could be worse.

“It needs to be lit up or removed because it is a really strange place to put it."

Brighton and Hove City Council has been approached for comment.