Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Herbert Francis

Ref: 2018-0242 Date: 26 Jul 2018 Coroner: Jonathan Layton Area: Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire Responses identified: 1 / 2 View PDF

The junction lacks adequate road markings, early warning signs, and properly positioned speed limit signs. Filter lanes are too short, and there's no westbound filter, increasing road safety risks.

Date 26 Jul 2018

56-day deadline 18 Nov 2018 est.

Responses identified 1 of 2

Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

The junction lacks adequate road markings, early warning signs, and properly positioned speed limit signs. Filter lanes are too short, and there's no westbound filter, increasing road safety risks.

View full coroner's concerns

(1) The approach to the main A40 from Redstone Road could be further enhanced with the introduction of road markings and early warning signs. That consideration should be given to the re-positioning of the national speed limit signs from their current location to closer to the mouth of the junction.

(2) That both filter lanes on the A40 at this location should be made longer and wider.

(3) That consideration should be given to lowering the speed limit along this stretch of road, or by placing advisory speed limit signs at the location to warn motorists of the upcoming bend and junction.

(4) That filter lanes should also be introduced on the A40 for vehicles heading westbound and intending to turn left onto Redstone Road.

Responses

1 respondent

Welsh Government Devolved Administration

PDF

Action Planned

The Welsh Government will consider the concerns raised in the report as a priority as part of the ongoing three-year speed limit review looking at road safety issues. Preliminary investigations have begun to develop further overtaking opportunities & safety improvements along the length of the A40 including improvements at Redstone Cross. (AI summary)

View full response

Dear Mark,

Thank you for your email of 26 July enclosing your report following the inquest into the death of Mr Herbert John Bernard Francis.

I acknowledge the very sad circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Francis and accept that in your opinion there is a risk of future deaths at this location unless appropriate action is taken.

My officials are currently in the process of carrying out a three year speed limit review looking at road safety issues at over 600 sites on all trunk roads in Wales. I have asked my officials to ensure the concerns and recommendations raised in the report are considered as a priority as part of the review and addressed within the first tranche of sites reviewed during this financial year.

Preliminary investigations have begun to develop further overtaking opportunities & safety improvements along the length of the A40. This includes improvements at Redstone Cross.

These additional A40 improvements are included in the update of the National Transport Finance Plan (NTFP) (Page 17 ref ‘NEW2’).

plan-2017-update.pdf

We are currently looking about how these improvements can be packaged and when they can be delivered alongside other priorities in the NTFP. To date no programme has been established to deliver these improvements and one will be developed in due course.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 9th January 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Herbert John Bernard Francis. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 26th July 2018. The conclusion of the inquest was road traffic collision. The medical cause of death was Ia multiple traumatic injuries Ib road traffic accident.

Circumstances of the death

(1) Herbert John Bernard Francis was driving his Skoda motor car along the B4313 towards the A40 road at Redstone Cross. (2) Mr Francis failed to stop at the junction with the A40 and collided with an articulated heavy goods vehicle being driven along the A40. (3) As a result of injuries sustained in the collision Mr Francis died at the scene. (4) At the inquest evidence was received from a collision investigation officer, namely , who identified road defects that he believed should be rectified in the interests of public safety.

Copies sent to

2 Cwm Aur Llanilar Aberystwyth Ceredigion SY23 4NT

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Report details

Reference: 2018-0242
Date of report: 26 July 2018
Coroner: Jonathan Layton
Coroner area: Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire

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: 18 Nov 2018 (estimated).

Sent to

Economy and Transport

Department for Transport

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.