Scott Punshon
PFD Report
All Responded
Ref: 2024-0428
All 1 response received
· Deadline: 23 Sep 2024
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56-Day Deadline
23 Sep 2024
All responses received
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Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Coroner’s Concerns
On the 13th September 2023, on behalf of Durham County Council, you carried out a site investigation (Fatal Accident Report M/T/R11/23) which identified issues with road markings, signage and lighting. You made recommendations that these should be addressed by the DCC Technical Services personnel.
Responses
Durham County Council has addressed the identified road safety issues by trimming overgrown vegetation, refreshing road markings, and realigning speed limit signage with cleared vegetation.
AI summary
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Dear Mr Hamilton
Fatal Road Traffic Accident Saturday 12th August 2023 at 01:00hours - A689, Howden-le-Wear.
I write regarding the attached correspondence dated 29th July 2024 regarding the unfortunate fatal accident which took place on the A689 near Howden le Wear on the 12th August 2023.
As a result of the accident investigation three observations/recommendations were raised by the investigation officers which have also been highlighted in your report. I can confirm following receipt of the fatal accident report council officers took the following actions:
• Street Lighting columns 333 and 334 – All overgrown vegetation impacting on the illumination of the highway at these 2 locations was trimmed back:
• Road Markings – All road markings in the vicinity of the accident have been refreshed: and
• Speed limit signage – The sign has been realigned and any vegetation in the vicinity of the sign which could be considered obscuring the view of the sign have been cut back.
I can confirm we continue to assess the condition of the highway as part of our scheduled safety inspections as identified in the councils Highway Safety Inspection Manual which is aligned to the National Code of Practice for Well Maintained Highway Infrastructure and any issues meeting the investigatory level will be identified for remedial action.
I trust the above is acceptable, but should you wish to discuss this matter in greater detail please do not hesitate to contact Paul Anderson, Strategic Highways Manager , by email at
Fatal Road Traffic Accident Saturday 12th August 2023 at 01:00hours - A689, Howden-le-Wear.
I write regarding the attached correspondence dated 29th July 2024 regarding the unfortunate fatal accident which took place on the A689 near Howden le Wear on the 12th August 2023.
As a result of the accident investigation three observations/recommendations were raised by the investigation officers which have also been highlighted in your report. I can confirm following receipt of the fatal accident report council officers took the following actions:
• Street Lighting columns 333 and 334 – All overgrown vegetation impacting on the illumination of the highway at these 2 locations was trimmed back:
• Road Markings – All road markings in the vicinity of the accident have been refreshed: and
• Speed limit signage – The sign has been realigned and any vegetation in the vicinity of the sign which could be considered obscuring the view of the sign have been cut back.
I can confirm we continue to assess the condition of the highway as part of our scheduled safety inspections as identified in the councils Highway Safety Inspection Manual which is aligned to the National Code of Practice for Well Maintained Highway Infrastructure and any issues meeting the investigatory level will be identified for remedial action.
I trust the above is acceptable, but should you wish to discuss this matter in greater detail please do not hesitate to contact Paul Anderson, Strategic Highways Manager , by email at
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 23/08/2023 13:37an investigation was commenced into the death of Scott Andrew PUNSHON 16/06/1987 00:00:00. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 30/05/2024 11:00. The conclusion of the inquest was that Scott Andrew Punshon was a 36 year old man who was found deceased, lying on the road (the A689 Road near Howden Le Wear) on the 12th August 2023. He was walking home from Crook in the early hours, having spent the evening with friends drinking. The collision investigation and the injuries identified at post mortem showed that he had been lying in the road when the car struck him. Toxicology showed a blood alcohol of 280mg/100mls and evidence that he had consumed cocaine and cannabis..
Circumstances of the Death
Scott Andrew Punshon was a 36 year old man who was found deceased, lying on the road (the A689 Road near Howden Le Wear) on the 12th August 2023. He was walking home from Crook in the early hours, having spent the evening with friends drinking. The collision investigation and the injuries identified at post mortem showed that he had been lying in the road when the car struck him. Toxicology showed a blood alcohol of 280mg/100mls and evidence that he had consumed cocaine and cannabis.
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.