Paul Fairey · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 28 September 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Paul Fairey, age 44. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 20 December 2018. The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision. The Medical Cause of Death was 1a) Braintem herniation 1b) Head injury.

1. Paul Fairey was a pedestrian on Mayow Rd, SE26. At about 00.40 on 23 September 2017 he walked into the northbound carriageway and was hit by a car travelling north. Mr Fairey suffered a severe head injury from which he later died.
2. The collision occurred 500m south of Perry Vale between the junctions of Adamsrill Rd and De Frene Rd, near a pedestrian crossing point and to the entrance of Mayow Park.
3. The evidence at the inquest was that Mr Fairey would have been difficult to see. He was wearing dark clothing but also the collision occurred in an area of poor visibility.
4. The speed limit on the road is 20mph. The evidence was that the car was travelling in excess of this.

(1) The street lamp nearest to the collision site (8m south of De Frene Rd, on the east side of Mayow Rd) was shrouded by tree foliage causing a large shadow across Mayow Rd. This shadow encompassed the site of the collision and the nearby pedestrian crossing point.
(2) There is a painted “SLOW” on the north bound lane near to the collision site. The evidence was that this sign has faded and may not be clearly visible to a motorist.
(3) There is a speed cushion close to the pedestrian crossing point. The evidence was that a car can straddle this speed cushion without needing to slow down. Also the speed cushion is beginning to break up.