London skyscraper melted my car, says motorist
'Walkie Talkie' building blamed for melted car parts, as developers say they are seeking to rectify the problem
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theguardian.com, Monday 2 September 2013 22.12 BST
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London Walkie Talkie building melts car
The skyscraper's developers said the phenomenon currently lasts for approximately two hours per day. Photograph: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images
A cluster of new skyscrapers transforming the London skyline are often blamed for spoiling the view. Now one has been accused of "melting" a car.

A motorist said intense sunlight reflected from the "Walkie Talkie" − one of several towers under construction in the City, London's financial district − warped his Jaguar that he had parked across the road.

The skyscraper's developers said they were seeking to rectify the problem which they blamed on the position of the sun at certain times of day.

"The phenomenon is caused by the current elevation of the sun in the sky. It currently lasts for approximately two hours per day, with initial modelling suggesting that it will be present for approximately two to three weeks," Land Securities and Canary Wharf said in a statement.

Three parking bays had been taken out of service pending a solution, they added.

Motorist Martin Lindsay told the BBC he had left his car for an hour opposite the building and returned to find the wing mirror, panels and Jaguar badge had "melted".

He said: "You can't believe something like this would happen. They've got to do something about it."

The 37-storey building at 20 Fenchurch Street, which will feature a viewing deck and "sky gardens" open to the public, has been nicknamed the "Walkie Talkie" after its distinctive shape that appears to expand outwards at the top.