Recurring concern

Unsafe road width for vehicle passage

First to latest report 15 Nov 2013 — 3 Feb 2022

Reports that mention this concern
7
Times this concern has been raised
7
Stated actions linked to this concern
8

What this concern includes

Includes deficiencies in the width or directly associated constrained geometry of roads, tracks or carriageways where the condition creates a material risk that vehicles will leave the roadway, collide or otherwise be unable to travel safely; include the anchor's extremely narrow bridleway and comparable narrow carriageways.

What is not included
  • Excludes barriers, gates, lighting, visibility, markings, speed limits and other controls unless insufficient road width is itself the unsafe condition.
  • Excludes generic road hazards or poor design where inadequate width or constrained carriageway geometry is not identified.
  • Excludes pedestrian, cycleway and shared-path narrowness unless the assertion specifically concerns vehicle passage.
  • Excludes the underlying outcome of a collision or vehicle departure without an identified unsafe road-width condition.

Reports and published responses 7 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. Cumbria

    AI-generated summary

    Stephen Cloudsdale · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Stephen Cloudsdale died at the scene after his car collided with an LGV encroaching into the eastbound lane of the A66 in darkness and heavy rain. The concerns identified were the lack of lighting and warning signage, the speed of traffic, and whether the central reservation was wide enough to accommodate large vehicles safely.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Insufficient central-reservation width for large vehicles

    Wider context from the report

    “1) The lack of lighting near to or at the point of the A66 dual carriageway where the collision occurred which renders the presence of vehicles crossing the carriageway from the café difficult to see by approaching drivers during the hours of darkness and/or during adverse weather conditions. 2) The lack of appropriately positioned signage, warning approaching drivers of the possibility of vehicles crossing the carriageway from the café. 3) The speed of traffic on this stretch of the A66. 4) The sufficiency of the width of the central reservation to accommodate large vehicles fully without the danger of encroaching into either of the opposing carriageways. ”

    Source location

    Stephen Cloudsdale · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    General widening of the central reservation is not feasible because it would require extensive carriageway realignment and is complicated by adjacent land levels.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “General widening of the central reserve area is not feasible as it would require the realignment of a considerable length of the mainline carriageway, to both the east and west of the café site. This being further complicated by the varying vertical levels of the adjacent agricultural land to the south. We believe that the proposed electronic, interactive signing will increase driver awareness of the operation of the junction and the café exit and specifically the presence of turning vehicles crossing the central reserve.”

    Source location

    Response from National Highways Ltd
    Page 3 · response
    Published 4 February 2022

    Open published response

  2. Birmingham and Solihull

    AI-generated summary

    Dev Dilesh Naran · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Dev Dilesh Naran, aged 8, sustained an unsurvivable head injury as a rear-seat passenger when the Toyota Yaris in which he was travelling stopped in a live motorway lane and was struck from behind by a large goods vehicle. Concerns included the risks posed by stopped vehicles in live lanes, the lack of automatic alerts for lone stationary vehicles, and specific safety risks associated with the dynamic hard shoulder on this section of the M6.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Restricted ability for vehicles to pull fully out of the live lane

    Wider context from the report

    “3. When compared to motorways not operating a Dynamic Hard Shoulder running scheme there is a greater risk that vehicles will stop on the hard shoulder/lane 1 of the M6 in the vicinity of junctions 6 and 5 when the hard shoulder is a live lane and that there will be a greater danger when doing so because: a) there is a 2.5 mile gap in the emergency refuge areas at this point; b) this section of the M6 is elevated and as such there is no land along the edge of the motorway to which occupants of vehicles forced to stop on the hard shoulder can retreat; c) the carriageway to the nearside of the hard shoulder/lane 1 is only 0.4m wide before there is a low raised kerb with a paved area of 1.4m wide bordered by a 0.7m tall retaining wall at the edge of the flyover over which vehicles are restricted in their ability to pull fully out of the live lane; d) although the signage that the hard shoulder is in use as a live lane in this area accords with the Highway Code and the Managed Motorway Network Scheme there is a real risk that drivers seeing a hard shoulder bordered by solid white lines (and who may have used the road when the hard shoulder is not in use as a live lane) may become confused and forget/fail to register that the hard shoulder is operating as a live lane. ”

    Source location

    Dev Dilesh Naran · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  3. Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire

    AI-generated summary

    Herbert John Bernard Francis · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Herbert John Bernard Francis was driving towards the A40 when he failed to stop at the junction and collided with an articulated heavy goods vehicle, dying at the scene from injuries sustained in the collision. The concerns identified related to road safety measures, including improved markings and warning signs, changes to filter lanes, and consideration of lower or advisory speed limits.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Insufficient length and width of both filter lanes on the A40

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) That both filter lanes on the A40 at this location should be made longer and wider. ”

    Source location

    Herbert John Bernard Francis · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  4. Dorset

    AI-generated summary

    Reverend Colin Hodge · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 19 January 2016, Reverend Colin Hodge stumbled on an uneven pavement at a junction in Wareham and fell against a turning vehicle, then struck his head. He was taken to hospital and died on 25 January from an inoperable head injury. Concerns included the poor state of repair and lack of a clear boundary between the pavement and roadway, with vehicles sometimes cutting the corner.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Narrow entrance to Howards Lane causing cars to cut the corner

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) At the time of the incident, the pavement and roadway were all of one level. (3) Evidence from the witnesses indicated that this junction was of concern for two reasons; Firstly that pedestrians would walk straight across as there was no clear boundary between the pavement and the road; Secondly, as the entrance to Howards Lane is narrow, cars would sometimes cut the corner. ”

    Source location

    Reverend Colin Hodge · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Erect a marker post in the footway to prevent vehicles from overrunning it when turning into Howard’s Lane.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Concerns regarding vehicles overrunning the footway whilst making a left turn into Howard’s Lane from North Street have not previously been raised with us. In recognition of these concerns a marker post (bollard) will be erected in the footway to prevent vehicles from overrunning the footway at Howard’s Lane.”

    Source location

    2017-0042-Response-by-Dorset-County-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 5 March 2017

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The fatal site investigation found no highway-related factors contributed to the fatality.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The fatal site investigation was completed by colleagues at Dorset Police and Highway Officers on 23 May 2016. This investigation did not reveal any highway related factors that contributed to the fatality.”

    Source location

    2017-0042-Response-by-Dorset-County-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 5 March 2017

    Open published response

  5. Mid Kent and Medway

    AI-generated summary

    Luke Mumford · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Luke Mumford died at the scene after his car left Pilgrim's Way, struck a tree and came to rest in a field on 23 November 2016. The report raised concern that the road was unsafe to drive on at the 70 mph speed limit because it was narrow, unlit and bordered by hedgerows and trees.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Narrow carriageway

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The nature of the road is such that it is unsafe to drive at 70 mph in that i) The carriageway is very narrow ii) The road is unlit at night iii) The road is not bordered by any kerb or pavement but rather hedgerows and trees iv) At Inquest the evidence of a Police Pursuit Driver and Accident Collision Investigator was that they had felt unsafe traversing the road above 50 mph. ”

    Source location

    Luke Mumford · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Programme a scheme to reduce the road’s speed limit to 50 mph.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The road is narrow and unlit and is bordered by hedgerows and trees. In its context as a ‘de-restricted’ dual carriageway the speed limit is 70mph, however it should be noted that the speed limit is the absolute maximum speed – it doesn’t mean it is safe to drive at this speed in all conditions. Notwithstanding this, in response to the incident and the very clear coroner recommendation, Kent County Council will be programming a scheme to reduce the speed limit of the road to 50mph.”

    Source location

    2017-0047-Response-by-Kent-County-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 5 March 2017

    Open published response

  6. Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire

    AI-generated summary

    Florence Margaret Lowe · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Florence Margaret Lowe, aged 85, died from multiple chest injuries after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the A519 Clayton Road on 18 November 2014. The substantive concerns related to the road’s 60 mph statutory limit despite nearby residential properties and busy facilities, and the lack of a pedestrian crossing on the south side of a nearby roundabout.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Narrow two-lane road with houses in close proximity

    Wider context from the report

    “2. Of the other roads approaching this junction the major one is the A500 dual carriageway, now subject to 50mph due to several fatal accidents, and from the south being 30mph, being 2 lanes only, narrow and houses in close proximity to the road. ”

    Source location

    Florence Margaret Lowe · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  7. Derby and Derbyshire

    AI-generated summary

    David Allan Cox · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    David Allan Cox died after his vehicle left a narrow, icy bridleway at a sharp blind bend, overturned and entered the river. The principal concern was that the absence of barriers, together with the narrow track and further blind bends, created an ongoing risk of vehicles leaving the bridleway and entering the river.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Extremely narrow and acute bridleway track

    Wider context from the report

    “The track at the point of the bend where the vehicles left the track on 24th January 2013 being extremely narrow and acute, leaving no margin for error and creating a risk of other vehicles leaving the track and sliding down the river bank into the river below due to the absence of any barrier. There is no barrier or wall along the length of the bridleway between the track and the river and I had confirmed in evidence that there are in total three blind bends along the length of the bridleway. The presence of two further blind bends along the same track also causes me concern. The concern is that circumstances creating a risk of further deaths will occur or will continue to exist in the future relating to the risk of vehicles leaving the narrow bridleway at the blind bends and rolling into the river due to the track being extremely narrow and the absence of any barrier between the bridleway and the river below. ”

    Source location

    David Allan Cox · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Notify relevant organisations and residents about identified safety issues and seek their input and required consents for proposed works.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “e. The Authority made initial written contact with key organisations, including the Partners, on 3 December 2013 to inform them of the issues identified during the inquest, to put them on notice of the impending PFD Report and your emphasis of the need for their input into the consideration and approval of any action taken by the Authority. The key organisations were notified before receipt of the PFD Report and the expert reports (outlined below) to facilitate the implementation of any identified actions as soon as possible. The organisations contacted in early December are as follows:”

    Source location

    2013-0355-Response
    Page 2 · response
    Published 15 November 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Commission and complete a survey assessing river-bank stability, hydrological issues, track widening, and potential safety engineering measures.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The River Wye Bank Stabilisation Works – Site Assessment Report (the “Survey Report”) was funded and commissioned by the Authority prior to the inquest. The report, which addresses bank stability and wider hydrological issues along the entire length of the track, was prepared by Silkstone Environmental Ltd and SM Foster Associates Ltd further to their respective bank stability and hydrological assessments. A copy is enclosed for your information. Although Silkstone carried out their initial on-site”

    Source location

    2013-0355-Response
    Page 2 · response
    Published 15 November 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Develop a detailed works specification by appointing replacement specialist engineering expertise and coordinating required safety, gabion, and design input.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “h. Specification for Works”

    Source location

    2013-0355-Response
    Page 3 · response
    Published 15 November 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Commission technical tender documents and invite at least three appropriately qualified contractors to bid for the proposed works.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “j. Tendering Process”

    Source location

    2013-0355-Response
    Page 4 · response
    Published 15 November 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Continue pursuing required consents from partners during specification development and tendering.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “g. The Survey Report was forwarded to the residents and the organisations listed above within paragraph ‘e’ on 16 and 17 January for comment by no later 14 February 2014. You will recall from the inquest that the Authority consulted with DCC and Natural England, and required consent from the Environment Agency and Network Rail, in respect of previous minor bank repair works carried out in April 2013. This previous process took 2 months and did not entail the extent of preparatory work or technical input required in respect of the works proposed within the Survey Report. In light of the much larger scale of the proposed works the Authority has requested consent from all of the Partners.”

    Source location

    2013-0355-Response
    Page 3 · response
    Published 15 November 2013

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Investigate external funding streams and liaise with Derbyshire County Council about incorporating the proposed safety works into its programme.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “l. Funding”

    Source location

    2013-0355-Response
    Page 5 · response
    Published 15 November 2013

    Open published response

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

Back to top

Data last updated 7 September 2026