A London-based used car dealership caused rush-hour gridlock on the Old Kent Road when they set up a blockade in protest over plans to paint red lines outside its forecourt.

Paul Houston and his son Louis parked four vehicles across two carriageways to disrupt traffic in an attempt to highlight the issue which they claim could “destroy” their 62-year-old Kent Carriage Company 4x4 business in Peckham.

The pair blocked off the entrance to New Cross Road — which becomes Old Kent Road — from Pomeroy Street for 20 minutes to protest against the proposals by Transport for London, the Evening Standard reported.

Louis Houston told the newspaper: “It was gridlock for at least half a mile in either direction. We didn’t want to make trouble for drivers, but it’s the only way we could highlight our cause.”

About 40 protesters, including friends and family, joined the protest and a petition at change.org against the proposals already has 650 signatures.

The protest comes two years after the Houston’s successfully mounted a High Court challenge against TfL after it painted double red lines — barring stopping 24 hours a day — outside their business.

TfL told the Evening Standard that “no decision” had been made on proposed changes.