Derek Nixon · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 9th April 2015, I commenced an investigation into the death of Derek Nixon aged 80 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on18th February 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was that Mr Nixon died as a result of multiple injuries due to a road traffic collision.

On the morning of 2nd April 2015 the deceased walked into Leek town and attended a routine appointment with his doctor on Fountain Street, Leek, leaving the surgery at approximately 9.45am. He proceeded down Fountain Street towards Ball Haye Street and Derby Street. At 9.58am he walked across the front of a rigid goods lorry which had stopped in Ball Haye Street for traffic lights. The driver of the lorry did not see the deceased due to his elevated position in the lorry cab. The lorry moved forwards as the lights changed just as the deceased was immediately in front of the lorry and he was knocked to the ground, passing under both front offside wheels and sustaining fatal injuries. Police and paramedics attended and he was pronounced dead at 10.16am.

I heard evidence at the inquest on 18th February 2016 of the various changes which had been made to the road and pavement infrastructure at Ball Haye Street, Fountain Street and Derby Street, Leek. I noted that certain iron railings at the end of Fountain Street had been removed. I heard police evidence that many pedestrians, by far the majority, when walking down Fountain Street then walked across Ball Haye Street at the 'Keep Clear' point because there was nothing to prevent them. The pedestrian crossing is a few yards down the road but human beings will take short cuts when on foot, even if this puts them in danger. I would ask that the council looks afresh at this area and consider what modifications might be made. Railings might be appropriate.

I make no comments on the remainder of the town centre road alterations, these did not feature in the inquest and are therefore outside my remit.