PFD report

Paul Haydn MORRIS and Alison Margaret MORRIS · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 8 Jun 2022•Herefordshire

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
1

Raised in this report

Recipients
2

Named on the report

Responses found
2

Of 2 recipients

Stated actions
10

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised1

  1. Limited visibility at the footpath crossing of the A44
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate control of pedestrian crossing risks
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.6

  1. Action

    Remove foliage to improve forward visibility at the crossing.

    Stated by Herefordshire CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 6 October 2022.
  2. Action

    Reinstate visibility splays along the bypass to improve visibility for pedestrians and motorists.

    Stated by Herefordshire CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 6 October 2022.
  3. Action

    Add the Kington Bypass to an enhanced maintenance regime with quarterly safety inspections and designated steward awareness of site safety requirements.

    Stated by Herefordshire CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 6 October 2022.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.4

  1. Position

    The existing pedestrian guardrail is considered adequate protection, so the historic crossing will not be moved or bridged.

    Stated by Herefordshire CouncilExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Limited visibility at the footpath crossing of the A44

Wider context from the report

“(1) The point where the footpath crosses the A44 provides limited visibility to both pedestrians and motorists ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate control of pedestrian crossing risks.

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

Remove foliage to improve forward visibility at the crossing.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Following the collision, works were immediately undertaken to remove foliage and to improve the forward visibility at the location, this work taking place after the joint inspection by the Police and the Council’s lead road safety officer. An instruction has subsequently been issued to Balfor Beauty Living Places for the reinstatement of visibility splays along the length of the bypass; it is anticipated that this additional work will be complete before the end of September 2022. This piece of work will improve the visibility for pedestrians and motorists alike.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Reinstate visibility splays along the bypass to improve visibility for pedestrians and motorists.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Following the collision, works were immediately undertaken to remove foliage and to improve the forward visibility at the location, this work taking place after the joint inspection by the Police and the Council’s lead road safety officer. An instruction has subsequently been issued to Balfor Beauty Living Places for the reinstatement of visibility splays along the length of the bypass; it is anticipated that this additional work will be complete before the end of September 2022. This piece of work will improve the visibility for pedestrians and motorists alike.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Add the Kington Bypass to an enhanced maintenance regime with quarterly safety inspections and designated steward awareness of site safety requirements.

Verbatim wording from the response

“i) The issue of prevailing foliage is addressed above. In addition, the Council will add the Kington Bypass to its list of sites that require an enhanced maintenance regime. On top of regular monthly maintenance inspections for the A44, the whole site will have specific quarterly safety inspections that will include the side road and the footpath. The locality steward responsible for the inspections will be made aware of the requirements needed to ensure safety at this location. The regime will also ensure that the forward visibility along the bypass is maintained as per the original design requirements, taking into account the prevailing speed limit in force.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Cut back verges and tree foliage following the accident to address visibility.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The verges and tree foliage were cut back following the accident at the request of West Mercia Police following their accident investigation.”

Source location

Response from Balfour Beatty Living Places
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Cut back vegetation, trees and verges to increase sight lines to 160 metres.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In relation to the prevailing foliage, Herefordshire Council have visited the site and now requested improvements to the sight lines. The Council have now instructed BBLP to remove vegetation from the wall, cut back trees and the verges on both side of the road, so as to increase sight lines to 160 metres. The order is at quotation stage. Cyclical grass cutting will take place in May and August each year.”

Source location

Response from Balfour Beatty Living Places
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Carry out cyclical grass cutting in May and August each year.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In relation to the prevailing foliage, Herefordshire Council have visited the site and now requested improvements to the sight lines. The Council have now instructed BBLP to remove vegetation from the wall, cut back trees and the verges on both side of the road, so as to increase sight lines to 160 metres. The order is at quotation stage. Cyclical grass cutting will take place in May and August each year.”

Source location

Response from Balfour Beatty Living Places
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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 existing pedestrian guardrail is considered adequate protection, so the historic crossing will not be moved or bridged.

Verbatim wording from the response

“iii) The crossing point is a historic one and pre-dates the construction of the bypass. The line of the path is a public right of way, reference Kington Urban Footpath 29. The line of the path is complicated by the presence of a footbridge over the adjacent Gilwern Brook. The path is popular locally and provides ready access to the Offa’s Dyke. There are no plans at this time to either move the line of the footpath or to provide a footbridge over the A44. The presence of the pedestrian guardrail is considered to offer adequate protection and is standard practice for numerous situations where public rights of way cross a highway in the county.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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 pedestrian guardrail is considered adequate, so its position and layout will not be altered.

Verbatim wording from the response

“ii) The safety barrier, in the form of pedestrian guardrail, was installed to prevent pedestrians moving from the river bridge directly onto the bypass. It has the effect of halting pedestrians and encouraging them to check for traffic prior to crossing the road. There are no plans to move or alter the position or layout of the pedestrian guardrail as it is considered adequate to prevent inadvertent entry onto the bypass. The police are aware of this and have not raised any objections.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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 speed limit will not be lowered below 50mph because that is considered appropriate for this road and limits apply by road section.

Verbatim wording from the response

“iv) The A44 is currently subject to the National Speed Limit, i.e. 60mph for a single carriageway road. The Council is soon to consult on the lowering of the speed limit to 50mph, the lowest speed limit that is considered appropriate for this class of road and its nature, i.e. a road with minimal access points and good overall visibility. The Council will not be seeking to lower the speed limit further in the vicinity of the collision as speed limits are not set for point locations but rather for the overall look and feel of the network over a section of road. It is anticipated that this will take up to nine months to complete in order to allow for consultation and the statutory processes for making the necessary traffic regulation orders.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 3 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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 pedestrian and vehicle restraint barriers and existing pedestrian crossing were considered adequate and did not require alteration.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Herefordshire Council have confirmed to BBLP that it does not have any concerns in relation to the pedestrian or vehicle restraint system (VRS) barriers, but has commissioned BBLP to carry out bi-annual clearance under the VRS barrier. The Council have further confirmed that the position and nature of the pedestrian crossing will not require altering.”

Source location

Response from Balfour Beatty Living Places
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

Open published response

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.4

  1. 1

    Review signing and lining along the bypass to identify compliant safety improvements.

    Stated by Herefordshire CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 6 October 2022.
  2. 2

    Implement signing and lining improvements along the bypass before March 2023.

    Stated by Herefordshire CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 6 October 2022.
  3. 3

    Consult on lowering the A44 speed limit to 50mph through the required consultation and statutory processes.

    Stated by Herefordshire CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 6 October 2022.
  4. 4

    Carry out bi-annual clearance beneath the vehicle restraint system barrier.

    Stated by Balfour Beatty Living PlacesStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 6 October 2022.

Recipient positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when they do not describe a specific action.2

  1. 1

    Risk-based inspections under the Highways Maintenance Plan were considered sufficient because the location was not an accident cluster site.

    Stated by Balfour Beatty Living PlacesExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
  2. 2

    Herefordshire Council is responsible for reviewing the site's speed limit and signage; no role was assigned to the contractor.

    Stated by Balfour Beatty Living PlacesRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

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 signing and lining along the bypass to identify compliant safety improvements.

Verbatim wording from the response

“v) It is noted that warning signs for pedestrians crossing exist only on the eastbound approach. A review of the location, using Google Maps Streetview, shows that this has been the case since at least 2009. That said, the Council will be reviewing signing and lining along the length of the bypass and will implement any improvements prior to March 2023. While this review will ultimately determine the details of the proposals, it is likely to at least include pedestrian warning signs on each approach to the three existing locations where public rights of way cross the bypass. The extended period for implementation is required to ensure that any proposed design complies with the requirements of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, and that there is sufficient time to make any relevant orders.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 3 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Implement signing and lining improvements along the bypass before March 2023.

Verbatim wording from the response

“v) It is noted that warning signs for pedestrians crossing exist only on the eastbound approach. A review of the location, using Google Maps Streetview, shows that this has been the case since at least 2009. That said, the Council will be reviewing signing and lining along the length of the bypass and will implement any improvements prior to March 2023. While this review will ultimately determine the details of the proposals, it is likely to at least include pedestrian warning signs on each approach to the three existing locations where public rights of way cross the bypass. The extended period for implementation is required to ensure that any proposed design complies with the requirements of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016, and that there is sufficient time to make any relevant orders.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 3 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Consult on lowering the A44 speed limit to 50mph through the required consultation and statutory processes.

Verbatim wording from the response

“iv) The A44 is currently subject to the National Speed Limit, i.e. 60mph for a single carriageway road. The Council is soon to consult on the lowering of the speed limit to 50mph, the lowest speed limit that is considered appropriate for this class of road and its nature, i.e. a road with minimal access points and good overall visibility. The Council will not be seeking to lower the speed limit further in the vicinity of the collision as speed limits are not set for point locations but rather for the overall look and feel of the network over a section of road. It is anticipated that this will take up to nine months to complete in order to allow for consultation and the statutory processes for making the necessary traffic regulation orders.”

Source location

Response from Kington Bypass Herefordshire Council
Page 3 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Carry out bi-annual clearance beneath the vehicle restraint system barrier.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Herefordshire Council have confirmed to BBLP that it does not have any concerns in relation to the pedestrian or vehicle restraint system (VRS) barriers, but has commissioned BBLP to carry out bi-annual clearance under the VRS barrier. The Council have further confirmed that the position and nature of the pedestrian crossing will not require altering.”

Source location

Response from Balfour Beatty Living Places
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Risk-based inspections under the Highways Maintenance Plan were considered sufficient because the location was not an accident cluster site.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The HMP sets out a risk-based approach and refers to the location of the accident in terms of the USRN which is unique reference number. The location of the accident is not an accident cluster site and did therefore not fall into any special remit for inspections and maintenance and was inspected in line with the HMP.”

Source location

Response from Balfour Beatty Living Places
Page 1 · response
Published 6 October 2022

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

Herefordshire Council is responsible for reviewing the site's speed limit and signage; no role was assigned to the contractor.

Verbatim wording from the response

“BBLP have been informed that Herefordshire Council have commissioned a Traffic Regulation Order review of the speed limit at the site, with a view to the speed limit being reduced to 50mph. The review will also consider appropriate signage at the site. The Council have reported that it is hoped that this review will be completed within 9 months and although BBLP will play no part in the review, it will of course carry out any further works as instructed by the Council with a view to preventing further accidents.”

Source location

Response from Balfour Beatty Living Places
Page 2 · response
Published 6 October 2022

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026