Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Gurkirat Singh

Ref: 2026-0089 Date: 28 Nov 2025 Coroner: Zafar Siddique Area: Black Country Responses identified: 1 / 2 View PDF

A dangerous road stretch lacks pedestrian crossings, has obscured visibility from parked vehicles, and suffers from poor street lighting and absent central road markings, leading to multiple incidents.

Date 28 Nov 2025

56-day deadline 26 Jan 2026

Responses identified 1 of 2

Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

View full coroner's concerns

1. During the course of the inquest, I heard evidence from the Police Collision investigator and the bus driver.

2. My concern is that in the last five years there have been six incidents including this fatality on this stretch of road and within half a mile approaching the roundabout. Evidence at the inquest emerged indicating there are no pedestrian crossings on this stretch of the High Street and visibility to drivers is obscured due to vehicles parked on ither side.

3. In addition, there are no central road markings with poor street lighting resulting in the building line creating shadows on the footpath, which all add to the lack of visibility for drivers.

4. Given the number of incidents, you may wish to consider reviewing the road layout including street lighting.

Responses

1 respondent

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council Local Authority / Fire Service

26 Jan 2026 PDF

Action Planned

Sandwell Council is proposing a road safety and public realm improvement scheme for B4517 Owen Street, Tipton, including new pedestrian crossings and traffic calming. It is also proposed to extend the principles of this scheme to include B4517 High Street, including enhanced lighting and a new 20mph zone. (AI summary)

View full response

Dear Mr Siddique Prevention of Future Deaths Report – Inquest into the Death of Gurkirat Singh - 17th December 2024 Thank you for your email dated 8th December 2025. Following receipt of the Senior Coroner’s report, Sandwell Council has noted the contents of the report and undertaken an investigation into the concerns raised in relation to the prevention of future deaths on High Street, Tipton. In response to concerns regarding the number of road traffic incidents recorded within half a mile of the roundabout, a road safety and public realm improvement scheme is already proposed for B4517 Owen Street, Tipton, to the north-east of the roundabout junction with Sedgley Road West. This scheme includes the introduction of three new pedestrian crossings, modernised street lighting, traffic-calming measures, and the implementation of a 20mph speed zone. Public consultation for this scheme has been completed, and works are programmed to commence on site in February 2026. Following further investigation, it is now proposed to extend the principles and objectives of this scheme to include B4517 High Street, where this tragic incident occurred. Although existing street lighting levels have been assessed and are compliant with the standards in place at the time of installation, it has been identified that opportunities exist to enhance lighting to the next level of standard and to improve the overall layout. These improvements will now be designed and delivered as part of a wider package of safety measures for the area. This will be further supported by the introduction of a new scheme incorporating improved centre-line markings and parking bays where feasible, and the introduction of a new 20mph zone for High Street and surrounding roads. This will complement the 20mph zone currently being implemented in the Owen Street area. In addition, it is proposed to pursue the introduction of a new zebra crossing in the vicinity of the shop and café at the north-eastern end of High Street. This proposal will be subject to statutory public consultation, as the installation of a crossing would require the displacement of some residential and business parking.

The proposed work will now be progressed through detailed design and will be subject to an independent road safety audit. Subject to the audit findings and the outcomes of the required statutory public consultations, works on site are anticipated to commence in summer 2026. While Sandwell Council is committed to considering and implementing appropriate safety improvements as outlined above, this response is provided without any admission of liability for the tragic incident or for any accidents occurring in the area. The proposed works form part of our ongoing commitment to improving road safety across the borough.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 17 December 2024, I commenced an investigation into the death of the child, Gurkirat Singh, born on the 7 March 2020, who died on the 6 December 2024. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 12 November 2025.

The inquest was heard before me and the conclusion at inquest was Road Traffic Collision.

The medical cause of Gurkirat’s death was recorded as:

1a Extensive Intracranial & Thoracic Injuries 1b Collison with a Bus
1. A fatal road traffic collision occurred on the north-east bound lane of High Street, Tipton, West Midlands. At the time of the collision, it was dark with street lighting in the vicinity of the collision which was illuminated.

2. It was a cold winter evening, and the road surface was damp but in good overall condition. Gurkirat was in the company of his mother, and two sisters aged 5 and 2.

3. The collision involved a single decker bus that struck Gurkirat causing him fatal injuries. Gurkirat was pronounced deceased at the scene by at 17:30 hours.

4. The collision occurred on the north-east bound lane of High Street, Tipton which is designated the B4517. This is approximately 50 metres from a roundabout junction with Park Lane West and Sedgley Road West.

5. At the collision location, the road is a single carriageway with a lane in each direction. However, there are no lane lines painted upon the road surface on the section of High Street where the collision occurred. The edges of the road are lined with footpaths on both sides that lead to a mixture of both commercial and residential properties. Parked vehicles were located on both sides of the road however there was room for vehicles to pass on the main carriageway side by side. The speed limit at the location is 30mph.

6. The bus driver described it was dark and doesn’t recall seeing anyone on the footpaths. He described seeing a flash across the road from my right to left literally right in front of the bus. There was then a bang at the front of the bus followed by his front right wheel jumping up as if it had gone over something. It was very quick between the two happening (less than a second) and he applied his brakes rapidly. Sadly, he had collided with Gurkirat who ran out from the path.

7. There were no bus defects found when the bus was later examined by the Police.

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Report details

Reference: 2026-0089
Date of report: 28 November 2025
Coroner: Zafar Siddique
Coroner area: Black Country

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 2

1 response not yet linked

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 26 Jan 2026.

Sent to

Highways Department

Sandwell Local Authority

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.