In the early hours of the 18th July 1907, a Mercedes 44 h.p car was descending the “steep hill ” known as Grove Lane, and was about to turn the corner into Champion park, when the tyre came off one of the front wheels, it was caught in the tram line. The accident threw the car onto the side path, crashing through the railings protecting the embankment and rushed some 20 ft down the side of the cutting towards the rail lines of the South Eastern and Chatham railway.

The car was driven by a Mr A Levy of Hempstead, and the passengers included his brother and another gentleman. All the gentlemen were thrown clear and fortunately escaped serious injury. It was reported that Mr Levy managed to avoid the impact at the bottom of the cutting by steering the car sideways. The North Bucks Times reported that the car collided with a tree and was brought to a sudden stop.

Photo postcard by Albert Flint, a well known Camberwell photographer with premises at 68 Church street.

The Daily News reported that accidents frequently happen at this spot and is regarded as a dangerous one for Cyclists and Motorists.

Reports from the Monitor and New Era dated 26 July, 1907 and the Star dated 18 July 1907, Daily News dated 19 July, 1907, North Bucks Times and County Observer dated 27 July 1907. With thanks to the British Newspaper Archive.