Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Kevin Lawrenson

Ref: 2014-0577 Date: 18 Dec 2014 Coroner: Darren Salter Area: Oxfordshire Responses identified: 1 / 1 View PDF

Numerous accidents occurred due to inadequate and poorly visible signage for slow-moving vehicles. Improvements such as larger signs, lane separation, or electronic warnings are needed at this location.

Date 18 Dec 2014

56-day deadline 12 Feb 2015 est.

Responses identified 1 of 1

Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

View full coroner's concerns

In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to make this report to you.

in relation to slow moving vehicles at the location, signage and steps that may be possible to reduce the likelihood of a similar accident occurring in future.

It will be seen from paragraph 2.3 of report that there have been a large number of similar accidents at or near this location, including 3 fatalities since 2008. It will also be seen from paragraph 3.1.1 that there are two signs prior to the location of the scene warning of slow moving vehicles. On page 10 of report there is a photograph of the first of the 2 signs. It does not appear to be a very large sign; it is sited quite low down.

I heard oral evidence from Mr about the system of monitoring and reporting in place and that, as recommended in the 2013 Safety Monitoring Report prepared on behalf of UK Highways Limited, a further study between junction 5 to 6 has been undertaken and a report is due to be completed very shortly. it is understood that the report is likely to outline possible improvements to signage and other steps. For example, there is the potential of increasing signage and/ or making the additional signs more visible. I was told there was insufficient room in the central reservation to place a sign. I understand chevrons for lane separation is a possibility, as is an electronic sign which detects slow moving vehicles and warns other motorists. I appreciate of course that there will be considerations around the issue of funding if improvements are to be implemented.

Responses

1 respondent

National Highways Other

10 Feb 2015 PDF

Action Planned

National Highways has instructed UK Highways M4O Limited to improve signing on the southbound approach to the Stokenchurch Cutting, including an additional 'Slow Moving Lorries' sign, raised sign height, and high visibility backing boards, with completion expected this summer. (AI summary)

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Dear Mr Salter 12 FEB 2615 KEVIN ROBERT LAWRENSON REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHRRECEIVED DATE OF DEATH: 18 JUNE 2014 INQUEST AT OXFORD CORONER'S COURT ON 17 DECEMBER 2014 Further to your letter dated 18 December and my acknowledgement of 29 December now provide a substantive response to your report: We are now in possession of an investigation report commissioned from UK Highways M4O Limited, the company that operates the M4O motorway on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport; which has studied accidents on the M4O between Junctions 6 and 5, Stokenchurch Cutting: We have carefully considered the recommendations in this report and we have now instructed UK Highways M4O Limited to initiate work to improve signing on the southbound approach to the Stokenchurch Cutting: UK Highways M4O Limited will be producing detailed designs, road safety audits and site surveys as part of this work and we expect the improved signing to include an additional sign 'Slow Moving Lorries' closer to the steeper section of the carriageway: will also raise the height of existing signing and provide yellow, high visibility backing boards to increase their conspicuity. We currently expect this work to be completed this summer

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 26 June 2014 I opened an Inquest into the death of Mr Kevin Lawrenson who was 39 years of age when he sadly died following a road traffic collision on the M40 Motorway (just past Junction 6) in Oxfordshire. I concluded the Inquest on 17 December 2014 at Oxford Coroner’s Court. A copy of the Record of Inquest is attached. It will be seen that I gave a conclusion of ‘Accident’ and made the following findings:

Kevin Lawrenson was driving his works van at approximately 18.55 hours on 18 June 2014 Southbound on the M40 Motorway between Junction 6 towards Junction 5 at Lewknor near Stokenchurch, Oxfordshire when he collided with the rear of a slow moving lorry in lane 1 on an incline uphill.

There was oral evidence at the Inquest from 4 witnesses. This included the Police Collision Investigator and from the Traffic Management Unit of Hampshire Constabulary/ Thames Valley Police Roads Policing. Additionally, I arranged for a representative from the Highways Agency to attend and give evidence. Mr Michael Freeman, Departments Representative, based at Bedford, gave evidence. My office provided the Highways Agency with a copy of the Inquest file prior to the hearing. Consequently, I have not provided you with a copy of the file with this letter but I do attach a copy of the report of Collision Investigator, and the report prepared by dated 31 July 2014.

Circumstances of the death

The circumstances are briefly set out above but are explained in more detail in the report of the Collision Investigator. Mr Lawrenson drove into the rear of a Romanian HGV as it drove very slowly (22mph according to the Tachograph) uphill in lane 1 of the M40. The collision occurred just past Junction 6. The HGV was loaded with 23 tonnes of bricks. It was not overladen however. It is understood that the HGV was initially driving behind a recovery vehicle which was towing a vehicle and that this is also partly the reason why the HGV was driving so slowly.

Copies sent to

and toMr D. M SalterHM Senior Coroner

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Report details

Reference: 2014-0577
Date of report: 18 December 2014
Coroner: Darren Salter
Coroner area: Oxfordshire

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 1

All listed responses identified

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 12 Feb 2015 (estimated).

Sent to

Highways Agency

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.