29 Nov 2019 Suzanna Jayne Bull · Prevention of Future Deaths report Birmingham and Solihull
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Concerns raised 2 Lack of warnings on dashboard trays against fitting them in moving vehicles View source Lack of general warnings to lorry manufacturers and haulage firms against using such trays in moving vehicles View source
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements No action or position from this recipient is clearly linked to the concerns in this report.
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AI-generated summary
Suzanna Jayne Bull · 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
Dr Suzanna Bull died after being struck and dragged beneath a 32-tonne lorry while cycling in a designated bus/cycle lane on 9 October 2017. The lorry driver's aftermarket dashboard tray and items placed on it obscured the front and nearside view, creating a blind spot. The substantive concerns were the absence of warnings that such trays can create blind spots and should not be fitted while a vehicle is moving.
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× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of warnings on dashboard trays against fitting them in moving vehicles
Wider context from the report “1. The fact that the tray creates a blind spot may not be apparent to users. There is no warning on the tray to say that it can create a blind spot when fixed in place whilst the vehicle is moving. Consideration should be given to placing a clear warning on the tray that it should not be fitted.
2. There is no general warning to lorry manufacturers and haulage firms to advise against the use of such trays in a moving vehicle due to the blind spot it creates. Consideration should be given to sending out a warning to all manufacturers and users to highlight the concern.
3. There is no warning on the dashboard tray to say that it should only be fitted when the vehicle is parked up and stationary.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of general warnings to lorry manufacturers and haulage firms against using such trays in moving vehicles
Wider context from the report “1. The fact that the tray creates a blind spot may not be apparent to users. There is no warning on the tray to say that it can create a blind spot when fixed in place whilst the vehicle is moving. Consideration should be given to placing a clear warning on the tray that it should not be fitted.
2. There is no general warning to lorry manufacturers and haulage firms to advise against the use of such trays in a moving vehicle due to the blind spot it creates. Consideration should be given to sending out a warning to all manufacturers and users to highlight the concern.
3. There is no warning on the dashboard tray to say that it should only be fitted when the vehicle is parked up and stationary.
” Open source report
17 Sep 2019 Dr Jonathan Edward Ball · Prevention of Future Deaths report West Yorkshire Eastern
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Concerns raised 4 Failure of HGV rear hazard warning lights to remain working and sufficiently conspicuous View source Failure to train or instruct HGV drivers to report stranded vehicles to emergency services View source Lack of an HGV warning device for alerting approaching motorists to a stranded vehicle View source Lack of duplicate rear indicator and hazard warning lights on HGVs View source See 1 more concern
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
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AI-generated summary
Dr Jonathan Edward Ball · 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 24 November 2018, Dr Jonathan Edward Ball died after his Skoda collided with a stationary 32-ton HGV on the A647 Stanningley bypass near Pudsey, Leeds. The substantive concerns related to the absence of advance warning equipment and emergency-service notification for the stranded HGV, and the limited visibility or resilience of its rear hazard warning lights.
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× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure of HGV rear hazard warning lights to remain working and sufficiently conspicuous
Wider context from the report “(3) The evidence of the other motorists on the A647 at the material time indicated that the rear offside hazard warning light was hard to see (or thought not to be working) thus giving the impression that the HGV was indicating to turn left (and thereby potentially confusing approaching motorists). In such circumstances there was no added resilience to the lights displayed, such as would have been provided by having duplicate indicator/hazard lights on the rear corners of the HGV. Given the arduous work of such vehicles and the propensity for the light to become dirty at the end of a working day , concern was expressed at the Inquest as to the danger which might be created in the event (a) the HGV broke down in a hazardous location and (b) the rear lights were not working or insufficiently conspicuous .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to train or instruct HGV drivers to report stranded vehicles to emergency services
Wider context from the report “(2) The HGV driver had not been trained or instructed to contact the emergency services to report the foreseeable hazard created by his stranded HGV on a dual carriageway at night. The HGV was there for some 41 minutes before the fatal collision occurred (although the Inquest heard evidence there were several near misses before then). It was likely that when a mechanic did arrive at the scene the HGV would have been there for a further period before it was repaired or could have been towed to a safe location. In consequence, the police had no opportunity to guard the scene, position safety barrier or warning signs to alert approaching motorists of the hazard.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of an HGV warning device for alerting approaching motorists to a stranded vehicle
Wider context from the report “(1) The HGV was not equipped with a device (such as a warning triangle) which the driver could have positioned some way before his stranded vehicle to warn oncoming motorists of the hazard presented by a stranded 32 ton HGV blocking one lane of a dual carriageway in darkness.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of duplicate rear indicator and hazard warning lights on HGVs
Wider context from the report “(3) The evidence of the other motorists on the A647 at the material time indicated that the rear offside hazard warning light was hard to see (or thought not to be working) thus giving the impression that the HGV was indicating to turn left (and thereby potentially confusing approaching motorists). In such circumstances there was no added resilience to the lights displayed , such as would have been provided by having duplicate indicator/hazard lights on the rear corners of the HGV . Given the arduous work of such vehicles and the propensity for the light to become dirty at the end of a working day, concern was expressed at the Inquest as to the danger which might be created in the event (a) the HGV broke down in a hazardous location and (b) the rear lights were not working or insufficiently conspicuous.
” 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 Publish a members’ magazine article examining the shortcomings identified by the coroner.
Verbatim wording from the response “Having set out the above, I can say that we, at the RHA, are keen to assist in any way we can and to this end we are proposing taking the following steps to raise awareness of the issues surrounding a lack of equipment (including warning triangles and additional emergency lighting) as well as driver training:” Source location 2019-0507-Response-from-The-Road-Haulage-Association-Redacted-1
Open published response
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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 Raise awareness of equipment shortages and driver training through weekly member emails and the members’ app.
Verbatim wording from the response “Having set out the above, I can say that we, at the RHA, are keen to assist in any way we can and to this end we are proposing taking the following steps to raise awareness of the issues surrounding a lack of equipment (including warning triangles and additional emergency lighting) as well as driver training:” Source location 2019-0507-Response-from-The-Road-Haulage-Association-Redacted-1
Open published response
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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 Raise equipment and driver-training issues at forthcoming member events, briefings and future compliance conferences.
Verbatim wording from the response “Having set out the above, I can say that we, at the RHA, are keen to assist in any way we can and to this end we are proposing taking the following steps to raise awareness of the issues surrounding a lack of equipment (including warning triangles and additional emergency lighting) as well as driver training:” Source location 2019-0507-Response-from-The-Road-Haulage-Association-Redacted-1
Open published response
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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 Regulators and the Department for Transport hold the relevant powers over enforcement, operator expectations and legislation.
Verbatim wording from the response “We, at the RHA, are a trade association who have strong links with the industry and do represent a significant proportion of goods vehicle operators (we have some 7,000 members). However, as a trade association, we do not have a specific mandate or authority by which we can force operators to take action in an attempt to prevent similar shortcomings such as those that led to the tragic death of Dr Ball. Within the haulage industry, the organisations and individuals that may have power should include the industry regulator (the traffic commissioners), the primary enforcement authority (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency – DVSA) as well as those responsible for legislation (the Department for Transport).” Source location 2019-0507-Response-from-The-Road-Haulage-Association-Redacted-1
Open published response
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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 trade association lacks authority to compel haulage operators to address equipment and training shortcomings.
Verbatim wording from the response “We, at the RHA, are a trade association who have strong links with the industry and do represent a significant proportion of goods vehicle operators (we have some 7,000 members). However, as a trade association, we do not have a specific mandate or authority by which we can force operators to take action in an attempt to prevent similar shortcomings such as those that led to the tragic death of Dr Ball. Within the haulage industry, the organisations and individuals that may have power should include the industry regulator (the traffic commissioners), the primary enforcement authority (the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency – DVSA) as well as those responsible for legislation (the Department for Transport).” Source location 2019-0507-Response-from-The-Road-Haulage-Association-Redacted-1
Open published response
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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 Mandatory breakdown-management content in driver training is currently unavailable because EU regulations do not prescribe mandatory DCPC course content.
Verbatim wording from the response “We would respectfully suggest that each of the above organisations are also sent copies of the report and asked to respond. It may well be that legislation can, at some point, be introduced to make it mandatory to carry and deploy a warning triangle and additional warning lights or, following the UK’s exit from the EU, making ‘breakdown management’ a compulsory element of driver training via their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC). At the present time such mandatory training is not possible given that EU regulations cover DCPC training and do not prescribe mandatory course content. Furthermore, the traffic commissioners could potentially look to raise an expectation of training and issuing equipment as part of what they consider ‘best practice’ for operators.” Source location 2019-0507-Response-from-The-Road-Haulage-Association-Redacted-1
Open published response
20 May 2019 Christopher George Barnes · Prevention of Future Deaths report Gloucestershire
View report summary
Concerns raised 2 Failure to ensure an appropriate level of safety and maintain sufficient control measures for working at height on vehicles or vehicle trailers View source Lack of sufficient understanding of working-at-height hazards and risks on vehicles or vehicle trailers View source
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
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AI-generated summary
Christopher George Barnes · 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
Christopher George Barnes, a 69-year-old lorry driver, fell approximately 2.3 metres from the load on his lorry while attempting to untangle securing straps and died from his injuries on 24 April 2018. The principal concern was whether consignors, consignees and their employees sufficiently understood the hazards of working at height on vehicles or trailers and had appropriate safety measures and controls in place.
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. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to ensure an appropriate level of safety and maintain sufficient control measures for working at height on vehicles or vehicle trailers
Wider context from the report “Whether consigness and consigners and their employees have sufficient understanding of the hazards and risks associated with working at height on a vehicle or vehicle trailer, and whether they ensure an appropriate level of safety and have in place sufficient control measures to satisfy their legal obligations .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of sufficient understanding of working-at-height hazards and risks on vehicles or vehicle trailers
Wider context from the report “Whether consigness and consigners and their employees have sufficient understanding of the hazards and risks associated with working at height on a vehicle or vehicle trailer , and whether they ensure an appropriate level of safety and have in place sufficient control measures to satisfy their legal obligations.
” 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 Continue drafting guidance on the safe use of tail-lifts with the Health and Safety Executive.
Verbatim wording from the response “The RHA is itself currently engaged with the HSE in drafting guidance with regard to the use of tail-lifts on behalf of the RHA, its members and other trade associations. This is however a costly and very time-consuming exercise (we are currently 3 years into this project) and further work is not something that we can do lightly or easily which may use a disproportionate amount of our members funds.” Source location 2019-0164-Response-by-RHA
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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 Health and Safety Executive should lead or be involved in drafting relevant transport health and safety policies, advice or guidance.
Verbatim wording from the response “Furthermore, we suggest that the most appropriate organisation to whom the Coroner could write with such a request is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE have a team who we understand deal specifically with transport and large vehicle fleet operators and as such we believe that they would be interested in and, in order for it to be effective, should be involved with the drafting of any health and safety policies, advice or guidance going forward.” Source location 2019-0164-Response-by-RHA
Open published response
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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 trade association lacks a specific mandate to draft or distribute members’ health and safety obligation policies.
Verbatim wording from the response “We at the RHA are a trade association who have strong links with the industry and do represent a significant proportion of the industry, however, as a trade association we do not have a specific mandate with which we can draft or distribute policy documents regarding a members Health and Safety at Work Act obligations.” Source location 2019-0164-Response-by-RHA
Open published response
Concerns raised 3 Failure of the access-ladder fall protection to prevent falls View source Lack of a toe-plate at the platform edge View source Failure to provide an adequately protected gap in the fixed gantry barrier View source
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements No action or position from this recipient is clearly linked to the concerns in this report.
×
AI-generated summary
Paul Littlewood · 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
Paul Littlewood fell from the gantry of a walking floor trailer while unsheeting it and died the following day from head injuries. Concerns included inadequate barriers and fall protection, the absence of a toe-plate, and the lack of safer or self-closing access protection and a ground-level fall-arrest system.
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. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure of the access-ladder fall protection to prevent falls
Wider context from the report “(3) The gantry was accessible by means of a fixed ladder. At the top of the ladder, fall protection is provided by a single cable which is set at a height well below 1 metre . It provides a pivot for a fall, rather than fall prevention .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of a toe-plate at the platform edge
Wider context from the report “(2) There was no toe-plate to delineate the edge of the platform
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Road Haulage Association Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to provide an adequately protected gap in the fixed gantry barrier
Wider context from the report “(1) The fixed barrier at the centre of the gantry was 1 metre in height, and there was no intermediate crossbar, leaving a gap of 1 metre, through which it would be quite easy to fall .
” Open source report
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Information checked against published PFD reports and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations