David Paul Langford · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 16 May 2024 an investigation was commenced into the death of David Paul Langford (DOB: 31 January 1994) who died on 11 May 2024. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 8 December 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision.

The circumstances of the death are as follows :-

David Paul Langford was riding his KTM motorcycle along the A548 approximately 1.2 miles north of Llanger­nwy and approximately 4 miles south-west of Llanfair Talhaiarn, Conwy, when a collision occurred with a motor vehicle emerging from the Waterloo Hill junction which had poor visibility. David Langford was declared deceased at the scene.

The topography at the collision scene location was considered significant. A visibility mirror was present opposite the Waterloo Hill Junction and was, in fact still is, positioned as such to provide traffic exiting the junction a view of traffic approaching on the A548 and from the Llanger­nwy direction.

Visibility is reduced for motorists exiting the junction to the right and those approaching from the direction of Llanger­nwy on the A548 by the following:-

a. The overgrown tree foliage and hedgerow running alongside the nearside of the Llanfair Talhaiarn bound lane of the A548 just prior to the area of the collision; and
b. The dull nature of the visibility’s mirror’s reflective surface which hindered the view provided, along with overgrown foliage around the mirror which obscured the view along a section of the Llanfair Talhaiarn bound lane
c. The left hand bend for those approaching the junction on the A548 from the Llanger­nwy direction

Witness evidence indicated that ‘…it is exceptionally dangerous’. The location has excess shrubbery that limits visibility towards the junction from Abergele direction. This is coupled with a directional mirror to assist turning onto the A548, but again, this has excess foliage’. The witness went on to say ‘I have contacted the local council to see what can be done to promote safety at this junction’.

It was noted by evidence from North Wales Police that the mirror had been replaced and the excess shrubbery and overgrowth maintained around the mirror and around the junction.

Whilst these improvements are noted there remain two concerns

1. The railings to the right of the junction are old and rusty and their position provides a barrier from view down the road. It was noted that Conwy County Borough Council had noted this and no action has yet been taken; and

2. It was noted that the stretch of road in question is subject to a national speed limit and it is a concern that this high Speed does not account for the dangerous junction at Waterloo Hill.

I am concerned that deaths will occur into the future and/or continue to occur as a result of these concerns.