Investigation and inquest
On 10th March 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of John Frederick Roberts who was 56 years of age. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 23rd September 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was an Accident.
Circumstances of the death
On the 5th March 2015 at around 8:05am, Mr Roberts, a pedestrian, stepped out into Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex and was struck by a vehicle. He was transferred to The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel and he died there at 2:09am on the 6th March 2015. The location of the accident is a complex intersection which includes a roundabout, and several joining roads and a traffic island.
Coroner’s concerns
A well worn path across the central reservation indicates that pedestrians regularly cross the traffic island and the central reservation, putting themselves at serious risk. Sixty metres away is the nearest crossing which is not very evident. Consideration needs to be given to the designing of a safer junction.