Matthew Bilby · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 18 September 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Matthew Bilby, aged 48 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 7 March 2019.

The medical cause of death was determined to be:

1a. Traumatic Injuries

There was a short form conclusion of road traffic collision.

On the 6th September 2018, the deceased was riding his ████████ Super Duke motorcycle along the B1166 on the eastern side of the junction with the A16 Aulis Drive, Spalding, Lincolnshire. The deceased drove past on the nearside of standing traffic queuing at the junction and onto the southbound carriageway of the A16 into the path of a DAF Tipper Heavy Goods Vehicle travelling on the A16 where the vehicles were to collide. The deceased was knocked into the air and sustained extensive internal injuries. He remained conscious for a period following the impact, before suffering a cardiac arrest. Despite attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

1. The court heard evidence from a number of current regular road users describing the layout of the A16/B1166 junction as "dangerous", "horrendous", "confusing" and "difficult";

2. In evidence the Lincolnshire Police confirmed that this was the fourth fatality at this junction;

3. The junction was created as a "staggered" junction in August 2010. Following one of the previous fatalities at the junction further work had been undertaken with red thermoplastic laid in hatched areas;

4. Expert evidence received from the East Midlands Operational Support Service Serious Collision Investigation Unit confirmed the junction to be an "accident blackspot" and that the staggered junction created an on-going risk to future road users in that:

a. This junction should be reconfigured as a roundabout;

b. Alternatively there should be the deployment of considered traffic calming measures (cameras, traffic lights, speed restrictions).