Lorraine Anne Molyneaux and James Anthony Lewis · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 24th October 2019 I commenced an investigation into the death of Lorraine Anne Molyneaux, born on the 2nd March 1957 and on the 30th October 2019 I commenced an investigation into the death of James Anthony Lewis, also known as Anthony James Lewis born on 27th May 1969.

These investigations concluded at the end of the joint Inquest on the 13th February 2020.

The Medical Cause of Lorraine Anne Molyneaux’s death was:

1a Multiple Injuries

The Medical Cause of James Anthony’s Lewis’ death was:

1a Fatal Cranial and Brain Injury

The conclusion at both Inquests, which were held jointly due to the circumstances of the death, was Road Traffic Collision.

On the 16th October 2019 Lorraine Molyneaux left her place of work at Dunelm Mill on Turbary Retail Park, Ringwood Road, Bournemouth on foot. She intended to visit her friend who lived on the other side of Ringwood Road. The road is a dual carriageway with a speed limit of 40mph. There are 2 designated pedestrian crossings along the section between Mountbatten Roundabout and Clock Garage Roundabout. Lorraine was seen to run across the southbound carriageway of Ringwood Road near to the entrance to Turbary Retail Park and was struck by a motorcycle being ridden by James Anthony Lewis. Prior to the collision James had consumed alcohol. Lorraine died at the scene and James was taken to Southampton General Hospital, Southampton where he was diagnosed with significant traumatic head injuries. His condition deteriorated, and he died on the 22nd October 2019.

1. During the inquest evidence was heard that:

i. Although there are 2 pedestrian crossings along Ringwood Road between the Mountbatten Roundabout and the Clock Garage Roundabout, people are regularly seen to cross the road at the location where this collision occurred where there is no crossing. The crossings are approximately 210 and 375 meters from the point where the collision occurred.

ii. One of the reasons it is believed that people cross the road at this location is the proximity of the bus stops, on both sides of the road, to this point on the road which is by the entrance to Turbary Retail Park. If people travel to the Retail Park by bus, they cross at this point rather than walk the distance to the crossing. Evidence was given that people of all ages, including youngsters and older people, cross at this location.

iii. Evidence was further given that a very similar collision occurred at this location in September 2018, just under 13 months prior to this collision. That collision resulted in the death of a 74 year old pedestrian who had just got off the bus and was struck by a motorcycle whilst crossing the road at this location.

iv. Evidence was given that the risk of further deaths at this location has been raised by Dorset Police to BCP Council and BCP Council submitted an application for funding to the Department for Transport for a controlled crossing to be installed or consideration be given to changing the layout of the junction. This application was made in November 2019 and it is understood that no action has been taken since.

v. Evidence was also given by a witness at the Inquest, who is a local driving instructor and drives along Ringwood Road regularly, that the lighting in this area is dull. It was explained that along this stretch there are street lights in the central reservation of the dual carriageway but not on the sides of the road. She explained that on the night in question some of the lights were not working and are still not working. Lorraine was wearing dark clothing and James was not wearing any high visibility clothing which may have affected their visibility.

I have concerns with regard to the following:

i. The deaths of Lorraine and James now bring the total fatalities to 3 in the same location and in similar circumstances since September 2018. I have concerns that there could be future deaths at this location if action is not taken.

ii. I therefore request that a review is undertaken of the pedestrian crossings and the layout of Ringwood Road outside of Turbary Retail Park. I request that consideration is given to the placing of a pedestrian crossing closer to the bus stops and the entrance to Turbary Retail Park as soon as possible to avoid future deaths.

iii. I further request that the street lighting between Mountbatten roundabout and Clock Garage Roundabout is reviewed in relation to the amount of lighting and to ensure that the current lighting is working.