26 Mar 2026 Elizabeth Anne LANG and Katie Alice LANG · Prevention of Future Deaths report Northumberland
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Concerns raised 1
Lack of advance warning signage for a severe bend View source
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Elizabeth Anne LANG and Katie Alice LANG · 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
Elizabeth Lang was driving a vehicle with her daughter Katie Lang as the front-seat passenger when it lost control on a bend on the A1068 Sheepwash Road and collided with another vehicle. Both sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. The report raised concerns about low road friction and the absence of advance warning signage for the bend, which may present an ongoing risk to road users unfamiliar with the road layout.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of advance warning signage for a severe bend
Wider context from the report “(1) During the course of the inquest I heard Sideway-force Coefficient Investigation Machine testing ('SCRIM' testing) is carried out by the council on an annual basis. Further that the county has responsibility for an extensive road network. SCRIM testing carried out on 18 September 2024 assessed the coefficient of friction as low. I heard that Northumberland County Council has an acceptable level of 0.5. Where the vehicle began to slide the coefficient of friction was 0.22. The deceleration tests identified a coefficient of friction at 0.598g at the initial test site and 0.637g after Bothal Bank.
I heard from the Head of Highways at Northumberland County Council that works were undertaken along the A1068 from Sheepwash Bridge to the junction of the A197 as part of the Council's yearly Local Transport Plan. The works consisted of structural repair to the existing carriageway, a surface dressing treatment and new road markings. The nature of this work is seasonal and weather dependent. The works were completed by 3rd July 2025.
I heard evidence from three witnesses who are local to the area and have experience of driving along Sheepwash Road. They described the bend where the collision occurred as notorious with experienced drivers routinely reducing speed when navigating the bend. There is no advance warning signage alerting unfamiliar drivers to the severity of the bend. The Forensic Collision Investigator and the Head of Highways agreed advanced warning signage would be helpful. I heard that Traffic sign regulation standards are governed by the Traffic Signs Regulations General Directions 2016. The absence of advance warning signage may present an ongoing risk to road users, particularly those unfamiliar with the road layout.
” Source location Elizabeth Anne LANG and Katie Alice LANG · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Review the site and consider options, including advance warning measures, to improve bend visibility and driver awareness.
Verbatim wording from the response “• Assessment of mitigation options” Source location 2026-0182 - Response from Northumberland County Council
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Prioritise identified road-safety improvements for implementation within Quarter 2 of the 2026–2027 financial year.
Verbatim wording from the response “• Timescales” Source location 2026-0182 - Response from Northumberland County Council
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12 Feb 2026 Rita Margaret Thomas and Christine Dale · Prevention of Future Deaths report Cumbria
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Concerns raised 1
Failure to set a speed limit that provides sufficient reaction time at the A684 junction View source
Linked responses
National Highways Westmorland and Furness Council
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 4
National Highways
Upgrade approach signing and install STOP signs, approach lane delineation markings, and transverse yellow markings at the junction.
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Westmorland and Furness Council
Complete the A684 safety improvement package, including centre lines, road studs, rumble strips, high-friction surfacing and additional SLOW markings.
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Westmorland and Furness Council
Conduct a full speed review of the A684 using traffic data collected with the Safety Camera Unit.
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Westmorland and Furness Council
Undertake the commissioned independent Engineering Safety Study to review existing conditions, completed works and further engineering, enforcement, educational and speed-limit measures.
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Rita Margaret Thomas and Christine Dale · 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 September 2024, Rita Thomas was driving and Christine Dale was a passenger when their vehicle collided with a bus on the M6 Junction 37 exit ramp, causing both to sustain life-ending injuries. The principal concern was that the national speed limit on the A684, together with the junction design, may give drivers insufficient time to react when a vehicle crosses their path.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to set a speed limit that provides sufficient reaction time at the A684 junction
Wider context from the report “(1) The exit ramps at Junction 37 of the M6 are recognised to be 'high harm' spots. Several very serious collisions have occurred at the same location. Significant efforts have been made to address this, including by placing stop signs, increasing the visibility of signs, and improving driver awareness. However, the A684 remains the subject of the National Speed Limit. I was informed that no speed limit was imposed because previous investigation 'did not highlight a speeding problem'. The evidence I heard included an observation by the driver of the bus that: "At the point where I first saw the car, I was only a few metres away from the top of the slip road. The dark car was travelling up the slip road from my left-hand side. I must have only been aware of its presence for a matter of one or two seconds...I did not have any time to react or take any evasive action. As far as I recall I did not have time to brake or steer to try and avoid the collision."
For the avoidance of doubt, the evidence indicates that the bus was being driven at less than the national speed limit.
I am concerned that this indicates that the speed at which vehicles are permitted to drive on the A684, taken with the design of the junction, gives drivers insufficient time to react in the event that a vehicle crosses into their path.
” Source location Rita Margaret Thomas and Christine Dale · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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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 Upgrade approach signing and install STOP signs, approach lane delineation markings, and transverse yellow markings at the junction.
Verbatim wording from the response “As a direct result, the already substantial, approach signing has been upgraded and improved, ‘STOP’ signing and approach lane delineation markings have been installed” Source location 2026-0093 - Response from National Highways
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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 Complete the A684 safety improvement package, including centre lines, road studs, rumble strips, high-friction surfacing and additional SLOW markings.
Verbatim wording from the response “A comprehensive series of improvements along approximately 500 metres of carriageway and implemented between November and December 2024. These were designed to highlight the presence of the approaching junction to improve driver awareness and reduce approaching speeds.” Source location 2026-0093 - Response from Westmorland and Furness Council
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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 Conduct a full speed review of the A684 using traffic data collected with the Safety Camera Unit.
Verbatim wording from the response “In parallel, the Council conducted a full speed review of the A684 in partnership with the Cumbria Constabulary Safety Camera Unit in November 2024.” Source location 2026-0093 - Response from Westmorland and Furness Council
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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 Undertake the commissioned independent Engineering Safety Study to review existing conditions, completed works and further engineering, enforcement, educational and speed-limit measures.
Verbatim wording from the response “An independent consultancy has been commissioned to undertake the full Engineering Safety Study, which will fully review:” Source location 2026-0093 - Response from Westmorland and Furness Council
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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 Changes to the National Speed Limit on the A684 are the responsibility of Westmorland and Furness Council, not National Highways.
Verbatim wording from the response “To clarify, any changes to the current National Speed Limit along this section of the A684 would be the responsibility of Westmorland and Furness Council and not National Highways.” Source location 2026-0093 - Response from National Highways
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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 A reduced speed limit cannot be proposed without completing the full analytical process required by national guidance.
Verbatim wording from the response “Nonetheless, the question of a reduced speed limit is still being considered by the Partnership and has been incorporated into an independent Engineering Safety Study which is being commissioned by Westmorland and Furness Council.” Source location 2026-0093 - Response from Westmorland and Furness Council
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Concerns raised 1
Failure to set a speed limit that accounts for the dangerous junction at Waterloo Hill View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
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AI-generated summary
David Paul Langford · 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 Paul Langford died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a motor vehicle emerging from the Waterloo Hill junction. Concerns included restricted visibility caused by vegetation, the condition and positioning of railings and a visibility mirror, and the national speed limit at the dangerous junction.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to set a speed limit that accounts for the dangerous junction at Waterloo Hill
Wider context from the report “Whilst these improvements are noted there remain two concerns
1. The railings to the right of the junction are old and rusty and their position provides a barrier from view down the road. It was noted that Conwy County Borough Council had noted this and no action has yet been taken; and
2. It was noted that the stretch of road in question is subject to a national speed limit and it is a concern that this high Speed does not account for the dangerous junction at Waterloo Hill .
I am concerned that deaths will occur into the future and/or continue to occur as a result of these concerns.
” Source location David Paul Langford · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Complete a route speed-limit review for the A548 between Llanfair TH and Llangernyw under national guidance.
Verbatim wording from the response “The Council has conducted a route speed limit review for the A548 between Llanfair TH and Llangernyw in accordance with national guidance (Setting of Local Speed Limits in Wales circular 24/2009). It is proposed to reduce the speed limit on the A548 to 40mph from a point 65 metres north of its junction with Cae Lian, Llangernyw to a point 45 metres east of the turning to Nant Mawr, a distance of approximately 4km (which includes the Waterloo Hill junction).” Source location Response from Conwy County Borough Council
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Advertise the proposed A548 40mph speed-limit reduction as a Traffic Regulation Order and undertake the required consultation and legal process.
Verbatim wording from the response “The Council has conducted a route speed limit review for the A548 between Llanfair TH and Llangernyw in accordance with national guidance (Setting of Local Speed Limits in Wales circular 24/2009). It is proposed to reduce the speed limit on the A548 to 40mph from a point 65 metres north of its junction with Cae Lian, Llangernyw to a point 45 metres east of the turning to Nant Mawr, a distance of approximately 4km (which includes the Waterloo Hill junction).” Source location Response from Conwy County Borough Council
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Concerns raised 1
Absence of speed enforcement on the A3083 between RNAS Culdrose and Helston View source
No linked response statements No respondent-stated action or position is linked to these concerns in the published data.
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AI-generated summary
SAMUEL GEORGE VASS · 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
Samuel George Vass, a Royal Navy serviceman, died after the car he was driving crossed the carriageway and collided with an oncoming vehicle. The principal concern was the absence of speed enforcement on the A3083 between RNAS Culdrose and Helston, where there had been a number of collisions and previous deaths.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Absence of speed enforcement on the A3083 between RNAS Culdrose and Helston
Wider context from the report “The concern is the absence of speed enforcement on the stretch of the A3083 road between RNAS Culdrose and Helston.
There have been a number of road traffic collisions on this stretch of the A3083. Mr Vass is the fourth person to be killed on this stretch of road in the last six years. In 2022 two serviceman were killed after a road traffic collision in which the cause of the collision was found to be grossly excessive speed by the deceased driver. In Mr Vass’ death, excessive speeding was found to have caused him to lose control of his car and cross the carriageway, contributed to by Mr Vass driving with excessive alcohol.
On this stretch of road the court heard that there are options for the installation of speed enforcement either by way of an average speed camera system or a fixed camera system.
” Source location SAMUEL GEORGE VASS · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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Concerns raised 1
Inadequate speed control for traffic approaching the junction View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
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Emma Jane Hill · 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
Emma Jane Hill was a pillion passenger on a motorcycle that collided with a motor vehicle at a junction on the A534, and she sustained fatal injuries. Concerns were raised that obstructed visibility, vehicles travelling at speed, the road layout and previous collisions in the area created an ongoing risk of further collisions and loss of life.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Inadequate speed control for traffic approaching the junction
Wider context from the report “Following discussions with the Roads Traffic Policing Unit of North Wales Police, I am concerned that although at this location the A534 is a comparatively straight stretch road, the visibility from the junction when turning right out of the village in the direction of Wrexham may on occasions be obstructed by signage and/or by vehicles which are slowing to turn into the village.
Furthermore as this straight stretch of road is subject to a national speed limit following a 40 mph zone, traffic may be accelerating or travelling at speed, thus creating risk both for persons exiting the junction and traffic which is continuing along the main road .
It is also my understanding that there have been previous collisions in this vicinity in the past.
Unless action is taken to improve visibility, reduce the speed of traffic or to alter the road layout, then there is an ongoing risk that further collisions will occur and that lives may be lost as a result.
” Source location Emma Jane Hill · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Liaise with Cheshire West and Chester Council on reducing the cross-border road speed limit.
Verbatim wording from the response “I can confirm that our Network & Asset Team Leader has liaised with colleagues from Cheshire West & Chester Council in relation to the speed limit reduction. Whilst this would be subject to a formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation process, both Local Authorities have given a principle commitment to reducing the speed limit on this road and doing so in partnership given the road crosses the border.” Source location Response from Wrexham County Borough Council
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Commit in principle to reducing the road speed limit through a joint Traffic Regulation Order consultation process.
Verbatim wording from the response “I can confirm that our Network & Asset Team Leader has liaised with colleagues from Cheshire West & Chester Council in relation to the speed limit reduction. Whilst this would be subject to a formal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation process, both Local Authorities have given a principle commitment to reducing the speed limit on this road and doing so in partnership given the road crosses the border.” Source location Response from Wrexham County Borough Council
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Road-marking alterations will not be commissioned until the speed-limit Traffic Regulation Order consultation outcome is determined.
Verbatim wording from the response “Additionally, the location has been assessed by our Road Safety Officer. It has been determined that the junction would benefit from some minor alterations and we have already raised the sign on the junction to improve visibility. The other improvements can be achieved with amendments to the road markings. We have been notified by North Wales Police that a reconstruction of the collision is planned for the week commencing 2 June 2025 and therefore it would be prudent to await the outcome of that ahead of finalising our proposals. The implementation of the road marking alterations will be commissioned when the speed limit TRO consultation outcome has been determined.” Source location Response from Wrexham County Borough Council
Open published response
Concerns raised 1
Unsafe 40 miles per hour speed limit for the road stretch View source
Linked response
Gateshead Borough Council
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 4
Gateshead Borough Council
Implement an experimental traffic order reducing the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph across approximately 1.5 km including the collision area.
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Gateshead Borough Council
Monitor traffic speeds and investigate any further road traffic collisions during the experimental order period.
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Gateshead Borough Council
Collect public comments during the first six months on whether the speed-reduction scheme is working.
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Gateshead Borough Council
Review public comments and decide how to proceed with the scheme.
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AI-generated summary
John Michael Liddle · 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
John Michael Liddle was cycling on the A694 when he was hit by an overtaking minibus and suffered unsurvivable head injuries. The substantive concern was that the 40 miles per hour speed limit was unsafe for that stretch of road, which was residential, included bends and junctions, and had previously experienced other collisions involving cyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicles.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Unsafe 40 miles per hour speed limit for the road stretch
Wider context from the report “(1) At the time of the collision the area of the A694 upon which Mr Liddle was cycling was subject to a 40 miles per hour speed limit;
(2) The speed limit on this area of road has now (temporarily) been reduced to 30 miles per hour;
(3) The road is within a residential area;
(4) The road encompasses bends and junctions;
(5) There have been a number of other collisions along the stretch of road involving pedal cycles, pedestrians and motor vehicles; and
(6) A 40 miles per hour speed limit is unsafe for this stretch of road.
” Source location John Michael Liddle · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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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 Implement an experimental traffic order reducing the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph across approximately 1.5 km including the collision area.
Verbatim wording from the response “In response to the concerns raised, a decision was made to investigate the effect of a reduction to the speed limit from 40 to 30 mph using an experimental traffic regulation order, pursuant to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. This order stretches approximately 1.5km in length and incorporates the area where the fatal road traffic collision occurred.” Source location Response from Gateshead Council
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Monitor traffic speeds and investigate any further road traffic collisions during the experimental order period.
Verbatim wording from the response “This Order commenced 7th November 2024 and will be in effect for a period of up to 18 months, during which time traffic speeds will be monitored and any further road traffic collisions will be investigated.” Source location Response from Gateshead Council
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Collect public comments during the first six months on whether the speed-reduction scheme is working.
Verbatim wording from the response “The first six months of that period will be used for the public to comment on whether the scheme is working, or not. The Council will then review all the comments and decide how to proceed.” Source location Response from Gateshead Council
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Review public comments and decide how to proceed with the scheme.
Verbatim wording from the response “The first six months of that period will be used for the public to comment on whether the scheme is working, or not. The Council will then review all the comments and decide how to proceed.” Source location Response from Gateshead Council
Open published response
9 Jan 2025 Anthony John PAINE · Prevention of Future Deaths report Oxfordshire
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Concerns raised 1
Potentially excessive 30 mph speed limit on a pedestrian-heavy town-centre road View source
This report raised 1 other concern. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
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AI-generated summary
Anthony John PAINE · 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
Anthony Paine died at the scene after being struck by a car while crossing the A361 in Banbury on 24 March 2023. Concerns were expressed that the 30 mph speed limit may be too high for the road’s characteristics and pedestrian volume, and that a slower vehicle speed might have allowed more time to react or reduced the severity of the impact.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Potentially excessive 30 mph speed limit on a pedestrian-heavy town-centre road
Wider context from the report “The speed limit on the A361 North Bar Street at the location of the collision is 30 mph. There was a concern expressed at the Inquest that this speed limit may be too high, given the characteristics of the road and the volume of pedestrian traffic in the area.
The A361 at this location is a long, straight, single carriageway with one lane in each direction. Travelling southbound, the pedestrian crossing is approached from a gradual rise in the road from Banbury Cross Roundabout, some 150 meters away. There is in the road obscures the view of the pedestrian crossing to approaching vehicles.
There are a number of pubs and restaurants on both sides of the road and a number of pedestrians in the area late into the evening.
The Forensic Collision Investigator concluded that in the short window of time in which Mr. Paine was likely visible to the driver, they failed to see him. The Investigator’s evidence was that even if the driver had seen Mr. Paine, there would have been insufficient time to react and avoid the collision. However, the Investigator’s evidence also stated that if the vehicle had been traveling at a slower speed, this may have provided the driver with sufficient time to react and either avoid the collision or reduce the severity of the impact.
In the opinion of the Forensic Collision Investigator, the speed of the driver’s vehicle was 32.6 mph ± 3.6 mph and was a contributing factor to the severity of the collision and that, as a general point, the slower the vehicle is travelling the less severe the effects of any impact.
It was further noted that other nearby town/city centres (eg Oxford) have introduced 20 mph speed limits on roads in the city centre.
” Source location Anthony John PAINE · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Allocate funding through the 2025/26 Vision Zero road safety programme for proposed speed-limit improvement measures.
Verbatim wording from the response “That said, it should also be noted that following a community consultation, in line with our 20mph policy, an allocation has been made in the 2025/26 Vision Zero road safety programme for the design and implementation of improvement measures including (subject to consultation and subsequent approval) a 20mph speed limit at the location of the traffic collision resulting in the death of Mr Paine. If approved, the intention is that the scheme will be completed by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Until this scheme is implemented there is no plan to change to the current and appropriate speed limit of 30mph.” Source location Response from Oxfordshire County Council
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How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Design and seek approval for a proposed 20mph speed limit at the collision location through the 2025/26 programme.
Verbatim wording from the response “That said, it should also be noted that following a community consultation, in line with our 20mph policy, an allocation has been made in the 2025/26 Vision Zero road safety programme for the design and implementation of improvement measures including (subject to consultation and subsequent approval) a 20mph speed limit at the location of the traffic collision resulting in the death of Mr Paine. If approved, the intention is that the scheme will be completed by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Until this scheme is implemented there is no plan to change to the current and appropriate speed limit of 30mph.” Source location Response from Oxfordshire County Council
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation The current 30mph speed limit is considered appropriate and sufficient until any approved 20mph scheme is implemented.
Verbatim wording from the response “Thank you for your letter of 9 January and Regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Deaths. In response to the matters of concern raised, I can confirm that the current speed limit (30mph), is in line with current national guidance and standards.” Source location Response from Oxfordshire County Council
Open published response
Concerns raised 1
Inappropriately high speed limit at the bridge View source
Linked response
Staffordshire County Council
Stated actions An action is something a respondent says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 4
Staffordshire County Council
Review the road layout and bend-related safety concerns through a highways site visit.
View source
Staffordshire County Council
Analyse historical personal-injury collision data for the right-hand turn and bridge location.
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Staffordshire County Council
Assess general traffic speeds at the location.
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Staffordshire County Council
Routinely monitor reported personal-injury collision data to identify accident clusters and trends.
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AI-generated summary
Kial Ryce Thurman · 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
Kial Ryce Thurman died at the scene after the transit van he was driving entered the path of an HGV and then the River Blythe following a loss of control on the A518. The concern was that the 60 mph national speed limit at the bend and bridge at Lower Loxley was too high and carried a risk of future deaths.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Inappropriately high speed limit at the bridge
Wider context from the report “The rural, unlit road is governed by the national speed limit of 60 mph and narrows in both directions at the point of the bridge. Driving towards Uttoxeter, drivers are faced with a right-hand bend that the inquest heard can catch drivers unawares and has been the location of other road traffic accidents. The inquest heard that the bridge has been repaired a number of times as a consequence of collisions. Although the road has signs that warn drivers of the nature of the hazard ahead, a police collision expert considered that a reduction in the speed limit at this location would reduce the risk of collisions.
I am concerned that the national speed limit on the A518 at the point of the Blythe Bridge at Lower Loxley is too high and carries the risk of future deaths.
” Source location Kial Ryce Thurman · Prevention of Future Deaths report
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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 Review the road layout and bend-related safety concerns through a highways site visit.
Verbatim wording from the response “• A site visit with representatives from Staffordshire County Council Highways has taken place to review the layout of the road and consider the points raised through the PFD report submitted.” Source location Response from Staffordshire County Council
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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 Analyse historical personal-injury collision data for the right-hand turn and bridge location.
Verbatim wording from the response “• Research and analysis of historical personal injury collisions has been undertaken at the point of the right-hand turn and bridge location of concern.” Source location Response from Staffordshire County Council
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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 Assess general traffic speeds at the location.
Verbatim wording from the response “• An assessment of the general speed of traffic has taken place.” Source location Response from Staffordshire County Council
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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 Routinely monitor reported personal-injury collision data to identify accident clusters and trends.
Verbatim wording from the response “As part of our statutory functions and commitment to our communities and road safety, Staffordshire County Council routinely monitors personal injury collision data reported on the public highway to identify accident clusters and trends. Any treatable pattern of accidents identified will have appropriate remedial measures put forward for funding and will be prioritised against other locations around Staffordshire. Any appropriate mitigating solutions identified at this location will be prioritised alongside our annual programme of road safety schemes.” Source location Response from Staffordshire County Council
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How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Recorded collision evidence does not indicate excessive or inappropriate speed or a collision pattern at the right-hand turn.
Verbatim wording from the response “During the last complete 5-year period (2018-2022) and including any reports we have received from Staffordshire Police since, there has been one other (slight injury) collision recorded in this area of concern, and not associated with the right-hand turn heading towards Uttoxeter. The causation of this other collision was due to a vehicle following another too close, there is no indication of excessive or inappropriate speed.” Source location Response from Staffordshire County Council
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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 Existing bend, carriageway, electronic and reflective warning features are considered sufficient to warn drivers of the approaching bend.
Verbatim wording from the response “In relation to point 1, upon approach to the right hand turn when travelling towards Uttoxeter drivers are pre-warned by the following highway features:” Source location Response from Staffordshire County Council
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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 A lower speed limit is not necessarily safer because motorists may interpret it as a recommended target speed and increase risk.
Verbatim wording from the response “National speed limit roads are applied throughout the county network in accordance with the Department for Transport “setting of local speed limit” guidelines. Speed limits should be evidence-led and self-explaining and seek to reinforce people’s assessment of what is a safe speed to travel. They should encourage self-compliance. Speed limits should be seen by drivers as the maximum rather than a target speed. An assessment of the speeds at this location shows an all-day average traffic speed of 39.7mph, with 85% of the traffic travelling at 45.5mph or less.” Source location Response from Staffordshire County Council
Open published response
Concerns raised 1
Unsafe speed limit for the road design and condition View source
This report raised 6 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
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AI-generated summary
Jennifer BUNYAN and Marion BUNYAN · 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
Jennifer Bunyan and Marion Bunyan died by drowning on 7 June 2020 after their motor car left the carriageway, rolled onto its roof and became partially submerged in Crease Drain. Jennifer was pregnant, and her unborn daughter, later named Erin Marion Chatten, also died in utero. The report raised concerns about the speed limit, road inspections, highway degradation, delays in remedial action and the absence of an effective barrier preventing vehicles entering the waterway.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Unsafe speed limit for the road design and condition
Wider context from the report “The designated speed for this section of road was 60 mph.
The charity BRAKE have stated that the default speed limit on rural roads is 60 mph, a speed at which it is rarely safe to travel.
They stated the approach should be based on the design of roads. This road has an uneven road surface and it was within local knowledge that the designated speed limit was dangerous and could lead to a loss of control whilst driving in the upper speed range.
The need for a reduction in the limit as a safety measure does not appear to have been raised during inspections/debriefs following a series of fatalities that have led to a number of drowning incidents along this section of road. It raises a concern that the speed limit should be reduced significantly as a risk reduction measure – some areas have adopted 20 mph on some sections of road.
” Source location Jennifer BUNYAN and Marion BUNYAN · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Open source report
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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 Implement a 30mph speed limit on the single-track section of Puddock Road with 40mph buffer zones.
Verbatim wording from the response “The speed limit on the single-track section of Puddock Road will be reduced to 30mph, with 40mph buffer entry sections, from November 2024. A formal traffic regulation order (TRO) has been approved for implementation of the new speed limit. The order will be formally made following installation of the signage.” Source location Response from Cambridgeshire County Council
Open published response
25 Apr 2024 Mr David WELLINGTON · Prevention of Future Deaths report Black Country
View report summary
Concerns raised 1
Lack of a speed limit for vehicles using the service road View source
This report raised 4 other concerns. They are not shown here because they do not form part of this recurring concern.
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AI-generated summary
Mr David WELLINGTON · 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
Mr David Wellington died at the scene after being struck by a reversing Renault box van while he was a pedestrian on a service road in Walsall on 12 December 2023. The concerns included the absence of a designated pedestrian route, road markings, pedestrian separation, warning signs and a speed limit, as well as obstructions affecting pedestrian visibility and emergency-service access.
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How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of a speed limit for vehicles using the service road
Wider context from the report “6. There appear to be no signs alerting anyone using the access road to the potential presence of pedestrians within the service road area and no speed limit for vehicles using the service road . In my view this presents a risk of future deaths.
” Source location Mr David WELLINGTON · Prevention of Future Deaths report
Open source report
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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 council cannot legally impose an enforceable speed limit because the service road is not a highway.
Verbatim wording from the response “Speed limit
As the service road is not a highway the council cannot impose a legally enforceable speed limit along the service road.” Source location 2024-0233 Response from Walsall MBC
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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 There is no evidence that excessive speed caused the accident or that maximum-speed signs would reduce the risk of future deaths.
Verbatim wording from the response “The council notes that the most unfortunate accident which led to the death of Mr Wellington was caused by a van reversing along the service road behind the shops. The council does not have any evidence of the speed at which the van was being reversed, so it has assumed that it was being driven at a very low speed. It has also assumed that it was being driven at a speed below any speed limit which could reasonably have been imposed if the council had the power to impose a speed limit. In the absence of any evidence of vehicles being driven along the service road at excessive speed, or of speed having played any part in the accident which led to the most unfortunate death of Mr Wellington, the council does not have any material which would indicate that signs indicating a maximum speed would reduce the risk of future deaths.” Source location 2024-0233 Response from Walsall MBC
Open published response
Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.