Bus and tram services had reached Sutton New Town by 1900. The Sutton Journal from 14th November 1901, comments “It has been found that towns a few miles apart can be connected together by the electric tram at less cost than by railways.” In 1903 a bus service ran from South Croydon to Sutton, but this service only lasted a very short time. It was replaced by competition from the trams. From 1905 trams driven by electricity ran from Sutton to East Croydon. The route through Sutton New Town included Benhill Avenue, Lower Road, Westmead Road, up Ringstead Road and then along Carshalton Road. Local newspapers record there was concern over the route of the tram spoiling the picturesque Carshalton Village.
The trams were very popular especially on bank holidays.
Tragically a serious accident occurred on the local tram route, when a tram overturned in Ruskin Road on Easter Monday 1907. 2 people died and at least 36 were injured.
The accident clearly affected many residents in Sutton New Town. The driver of the tram, George Woodley, lived at Waterloo Road. The local newspapers criticised him for his lack of experience on the route and failing to control the speed of the tram.
Many of those injured were local residents. For example, Charles Neal, a plasterer of 6 Queen’s Road, Sutton suffered a life changing knee injury. Before the accident he had worked for over 10 years at Banstead Asylum and enjoyed football, cycling and running. In March 1908, The High Court awarded him £800 in compensation. Another family affected were the Sayer’s of 27 Vernon Road. Henry Sayer worked as a coach builder. He had been travelling on the tram with his wife, Elizabeth and baby daughter Minnie. Henry suffered a head injury, shock and facial paralysis. There was much debate, as to whether Henry could have returned to work sooner and if he was trying to claim exaggerated medical costs and “extra nourishment”. The High Court awarded Henry £300 in compensation, Elizabeth £50 and the baby £10.
It was found that the accident at Ruskin Road was caused by the weight and speed of the tram coming down the hill at the sharp turn. As a safety requirement for the future, all trams were enforced to have a full stop halfway down the hill at Ruskin Road and also in Ringstead Road.
Images from Croydon Guardian and Surrey County Gazette, London, 6th April 1907.
Sutton New Town 