Paul Coxon

Dear Ms Dilks Senior Coroners Report into the Death of Paul Coxon acknowledge receipt of your Report which was sent to me with covering letter dated 20 July 2015. You advised therein that the evidence that you had considered revealed matters giving rise acconcerneYou further advised that in your opinion there was a risk that future deaths would occur unless action was taken. In the circumstances you stated that it was your statutory duty to report to me that the matters of concern were as follows Inadequate signage giving guidance to pedestrians of safe crossing points. 2 Lack of illuminated signage to assist pedestrians in the hours of darkness_ 3 Appropriateness of SOmph speed limit on complex slip road where driver visibility is limited and reaction time to any hazard significantly impaired as a result My observations; using the same numerical reference are set down below: An additional sign will be erected at the top of the steps (adjacent to the south east slip) which leads to the 'underpass' This will indicate the presence of a pedestrian route (via steps) and identify the pedestrian destination. Investigative work will be undertaken to confirm that the pedestrian route is appropriately signed on both sides of the bridgehead. This work will be completed within three months from the date of this letter. In respect of the 'underpass' itself the term is actually misleading: It is an open span bridge with 5/6m lighting columns on the access road below to either side providing adequate night time lighting levels. CSE Gateshead Council Civic Centre Regent Street Galeshead NE8 1HH H EnvirTel 01; . Aratog Director Paul Dowling INVESTOR IN PEOPLE Communities and

and guidance for illumination %f road traffic signs is contaned 2 Requirements for Transports 'Traffic Signs, Regulations and General within the Department is not required to be illuminated and Directions' document. Pedestrian signage advice suggesting it may be the document does contain discretionary concern, do not intend to appropriate to do so. Accordingly, whilst note your take action in this regard. are noted; however it is my belief that a SOmph limit 3_ Again, your concerns is entirely appropriate for this section of road: staff met with the Police investigating officer at the site shortly member of my considered that forward visibility was after the accident: The investigating officer pedestrian to step out onto the generally adequate but that the potential for a carriageway did give rise to concern: not mentioned in your report; following the investigation into che Although it was meeting with the police took immediate steps accident and the aforementioned of pedestrians on the to minimise the hazard relating to the presence carriageway: currently in situ along the footway in question terminated at the The guardrail of the bus stop layby at the time of the accident The commencement had been observed for a number of years and there associated bus stop brought back into use in the near future appeared to be no likelihood of it being The, quite extensive; gap in the guardrail therefore no current useful that it could potentially encourage pedestrian activity on purpose and location_ therefore commissioned the the carriageway at an inappropriate within three weeks of the introduction of infill panels. These were in place accident reduced the risk of future occurrence of an believe that my actions significantly accident of this nature_ for response to be distributed as considered appropriate by the Chief am content my Coroner: remaining concerns about the content of this letter would be If you have any queries or happy to discuss further