A woman today crashed her car because she was distracted by drinking a cup of tea, police say.

The 39-year-old driver ploughed into barriers off Staines Road in south-west London shortly after 9.30am on Tuesday, a spokesman said.

It happened near the junction with Hospital Bridge Road and led to disruption for motorists as roads were closed.

The spokesman for Richmond Police said: “The driver, a single female occupant, had crashed into the barriers whilst drinking a cup of tea.

“The female had no injuries and did not require the assistance of London Ambulance Service.

“The railings have significant damage and the council has been informed.

“Due to her driving standards, she was reported for driving without due care and attention.”

The spokesman added she was not arrested and the vehicle had to be towed to the side of the road because it was too damaged to drive.