Paul David RANSOM · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 01 June 2023 I commenced an investigation into the death of Paul David RANSOM aged 25. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 18 June 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was that:

See narrative conclusion

Narrative Conclusion:
Mr Paul Ransom sadly died on 24th May 2023 on the A272 between Meon Hut and Petersfield, approaching the village of Langrish, Hampshire. A 40mph speed limit applied. He lost control of his motorcycle whilst doing up to around 45mph and crossed into the oncoming carriageway, colliding with a lorry and sustaining the multiple injuries that caused his death. Conditions were excellent: full daylight, sunny and dry. Surfacing work had been completed less than six hours before the collision. The surface was very slippery and this caused or at least substantially contributed to the collision.

The resurfacing that had been carried out was an asphalt preservation treatment known as a “thin surface treatment” wherein a bituminous solution is cold sprayed onto the surface, overlaid with a silicate grit. This is a commonly used method. I heard evidence that in the initial period after laying thin surface treatment has a particular property (“early life effects”) in dry conditions the level of friction available can be akin to that of a wet road. There is no guidance that signage be provided. There is also the potential for unpredictable vehicle behaviour, particularly at lower speeds or when road surface temperatures are high, by reason of a change in the level of friction available to a vehicle during a steering manoeuvre or braking. This may have a greater effect on motorcycles.

The newly applied surface looks like an ordinary tarmac road albeit pristine.

There has been research into accident rates following application of thin surface treatments. The research had the effect of allaying concerns but I was informed that the research may not have been able to look specifically at motorcycle accidents, and further informed that the issue of signage has been the subject of discussion in at least some highways authorities. Thin surface treatments are to be distinguished from surface dressing wherein aggregates are applied, following which loose chipping warning signs are usually erected and a reduced speed limit applied for the days following application.

Following thin surface treatment the drivers of vehicles, including motorcycles are likely to assume that in dry conditions the road surface is going to have the same properties as any established dry asphalt road surface.

I am concerned that where the road is, for example, downhill and/or twisting and/or with limited sight lines it may be a particular problem if speeds are not adapted for the early life properties of thin surface treatments: particularly in the case of motorcycles.

I recommend review of actions to be taken for the safety of road users, particularly motorcycles, following application of thin surface treatments, during the early life phase following thin surface treatment.