Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Deborah Roberts
Date: 11 Jun 2015
Coroner: Patricia Harding
Area: Mid Kent & Medway
Responses identified: 0 / 1
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The Sheppey Road Bridge has a history of rear-end collisions due to its geometry affecting visibility and high speeds. Despite a safety review recommending a 50 mph limit, the speed limit remains 70 mph.
Date
11 Jun 2015
56-day deadline
7 Aug 2015
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The Sheppey Road Bridge has a history of rear-end collisions due to its geometry affecting visibility and high speeds. Despite a safety review recommending a 50 mph limit, the speed limit remains 70 mph.
View full coroner's concerns
Accident data reveals that in addition to the collision subject of this inquest which resulted in two fatalities, there have been a number of rear end collisions on the Sheppey Road Bridge associated with stationary vehicles being struck including a multiple vehicle collision in September 2013 A review of the safety of the Sheppey Road Bridge published in February 2015 has concluded that a combination of the geometry of the bridge affecting the forward visibility available to drivers and the high speeds of vehicles travelling over the bridge which has a 70 mph limit impacts on the safety of the bridge. The review recommended a reduction in the speed limit to 50 mph to mitigate the safety concerns The speed limit for the bridge remains at 70 mph
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 11th July 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Deborah Roberts, 42 years and Marshall Roberts 8 years. The investigation has not yet concluded and the inquest has not yet been heard.
Circumstances of the death
Deborah Roberts was driving her two sons south on the Sheppey Crossing road bridge in her Renault Clio shortly before 13.30 on 1st July 2014 when she had cause to stop her car in the left lane of the two lane carriageway (the information presently available suggests that the bonnet of her car may have been insecure and lifted). There is no hard shoulder or safety lane on the road bridge. Whilst her car was stationary it was struck by a Fiat Ducato van which was travelling in the same direction in the same lane. Deborah Roberts was thrown from the vehicle and died. Her son, Marshall who was in the offside rear seat at the time of the collision was also killed.
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Report details
- Date of report
- 11 June 2015
- Coroner
- Patricia Harding
- Coroner area
- Mid Kent & Medway
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 7 Aug 2015.
Sent to
- National Highways