Emma Harper
PFD Report
All Responded
Ref: 2024-0500
All 2 responses received
· Deadline: 6 Nov 2024
Response Status
Responses
2 of 2
56-Day Deadline
6 Nov 2024
All responses received
About PFD responses
Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.
Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary
Coroner’s Concerns
1. During the course of evidence it was stated that the foot bridge which the deceased fell from had not been considered suitable for amendments to be made to the level of barrier which would prevent a pedestrian crossing the bridge from easily climbing over and falling onto the highway below.
2. Other bridges in the locality were considered and selected for an increase in the height of the barrier or other works to prevent the risk of falling from the bridge onto the M602 motorway.
3. It was unclear on what basis the foot bridge that the deceased fell from has been excluded from such works and there is a risk that this bridge may still be accessed by people who may be at risk of falling as an alternative to other bridges were works had been undertaken in the locality.
2. Other bridges in the locality were considered and selected for an increase in the height of the barrier or other works to prevent the risk of falling from the bridge onto the M602 motorway.
3. It was unclear on what basis the foot bridge that the deceased fell from has been excluded from such works and there is a risk that this bridge may still be accessed by people who may be at risk of falling as an alternative to other bridges were works had been undertaken in the locality.
Responses
National Highways disputes the need for increased barrier height at the specific footbridge, citing high costs, prioritisation of sites with more incidents, and a low number of recorded incidents (none fatal) at this location. They undertook a 2022 study, increased parapet heights on six other high-risk bridges, and are developing schemes for other M602 bridges with significant incidents for 2025-30.
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Dear Mr Pemberton
Reg 28 Report – After Inquest HARPER EV 04052024
Thank you for your correspondence dated 11 September 2024.
National Highways is committed to maintaining the safe use of the Strategic Road Network and we appreciate the issues surrounding suicide incidents and the impact these can have. We continually assess incidents that occur on our network to identify locations where action may be required. Due to the nature of the Strategic Road Network, particularly in urban areas such as Greater Manchester, there are a large number of bridges over the motorway and a limited amount of funding to progress improvements. We use available historical information to identify frequently used locations and then prioritise sites to maximise the benefits that can be achieved coupled with our duty to manage public funds. In relation to the M602 a study of suicide related issues along the route was undertaken in 2022, specifically in relation to the number of incidents occurring at bridges and structures spanning the route. The footbridge that you have raised as a concern was one of eight structures included in this assessment. It was identified that an increase in parapet fence height from the standard 1 metre to 1.8 metres was a potential intervention but noted that the boundary is difficult to effectively secure around the bridge itself. The footpaths along and which run for several hundred metres alongside and above the M602 have concrete boundary walls of approximately the same height as the existing bridge parapet fence.
Registered office Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4LZ National Highways Limited registered in England and Wales number 09346363 Increasing the parapet fence height from the standard 1 metre to 1.8 metres can cost up to £1m per bridge. In addressing concerns surrounding these sites we are constrained by the available funding and the benefits that can be achieved. We therefore prioritise locations with the highest number of suicide related incidents. This is the reason that some bridges have already received upgraded parapets, as historically they have exhibited a far higher level of risk. An example in this area is which crosses the M602 adjacent to . During the current road investment period (2020-25) in the North West region we have increased parapet fence heights to 1.8 metres at six of our bridges with the highest number of suicide related incidents. These are and over the M60 in , and at Junction of the M60, and and over the M56 in Wythenshawe. When assessing the available information relating to suicide related incidents along the M602, there were three recorded at the footbridge during the five-year study assessment period from 2017 to 2021, none of which had resulted in an injury or fatality. We therefore currently have no proposals to increase the parapet fence height at
footbridge. In comparison the nearby bridges at recorded 68 incidents during the same period. Several other bridges spanning the M602 have also recorded significant numbers of incidents and schemes for these are currently being developed for potential implementation during the next road investment period from 2025-
30. We will continue to monitor and assess all locations in the North West in the future where these types of incidents are recorded, and take the appropriate actions where necessary.
I hope that you find this information helpful.
Reg 28 Report – After Inquest HARPER EV 04052024
Thank you for your correspondence dated 11 September 2024.
National Highways is committed to maintaining the safe use of the Strategic Road Network and we appreciate the issues surrounding suicide incidents and the impact these can have. We continually assess incidents that occur on our network to identify locations where action may be required. Due to the nature of the Strategic Road Network, particularly in urban areas such as Greater Manchester, there are a large number of bridges over the motorway and a limited amount of funding to progress improvements. We use available historical information to identify frequently used locations and then prioritise sites to maximise the benefits that can be achieved coupled with our duty to manage public funds. In relation to the M602 a study of suicide related issues along the route was undertaken in 2022, specifically in relation to the number of incidents occurring at bridges and structures spanning the route. The footbridge that you have raised as a concern was one of eight structures included in this assessment. It was identified that an increase in parapet fence height from the standard 1 metre to 1.8 metres was a potential intervention but noted that the boundary is difficult to effectively secure around the bridge itself. The footpaths along and which run for several hundred metres alongside and above the M602 have concrete boundary walls of approximately the same height as the existing bridge parapet fence.
Registered office Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford GU1 4LZ National Highways Limited registered in England and Wales number 09346363 Increasing the parapet fence height from the standard 1 metre to 1.8 metres can cost up to £1m per bridge. In addressing concerns surrounding these sites we are constrained by the available funding and the benefits that can be achieved. We therefore prioritise locations with the highest number of suicide related incidents. This is the reason that some bridges have already received upgraded parapets, as historically they have exhibited a far higher level of risk. An example in this area is which crosses the M602 adjacent to . During the current road investment period (2020-25) in the North West region we have increased parapet fence heights to 1.8 metres at six of our bridges with the highest number of suicide related incidents. These are and over the M60 in , and at Junction of the M60, and and over the M56 in Wythenshawe. When assessing the available information relating to suicide related incidents along the M602, there were three recorded at the footbridge during the five-year study assessment period from 2017 to 2021, none of which had resulted in an injury or fatality. We therefore currently have no proposals to increase the parapet fence height at
footbridge. In comparison the nearby bridges at recorded 68 incidents during the same period. Several other bridges spanning the M602 have also recorded significant numbers of incidents and schemes for these are currently being developed for potential implementation during the next road investment period from 2025-
30. We will continue to monitor and assess all locations in the North West in the future where these types of incidents are recorded, and take the appropriate actions where necessary.
I hope that you find this information helpful.
Salford City Council clarifies that the footbridge is a National Highways asset and believes National Highways is investigating remedial works. The Council will assist with any necessary temporary traffic management if requested.
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Some people who received this message don't often get email from . Learn why this is important Subject: RE: Regulation 28 Letter for Salford City Council - Emma Harper Sent: 20/11/2024, 15:49:28 From: To: Cc:
Importance: High
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Hello
Please find below the response on behalf of Salford City Council – apologies for the delay in getting it to you.
Salford City Council have been in discussion with National Highways regarding this matter. They confirmed that the bridge structure, parapets and retaining walls on are National Highway assets. As such we believe they are looking into the feasibility of remedial works at this location following this recent incident.
Salford will assist and support in terms of any Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders, temporary traffic management etc as required that might impact our network.
I believe that National Highways have already emailed their response to your office outlining the above and they are to share a copy with Salford so that we are all fully informed on any proposed way forward.
If you need anything further relating to this matter then get back to me.
Regards
Traffic Management, Parking Services & Road Safety E
Salford City Council Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton M27 5AW
From: Sent: 14 November 2024 10:24 To: Subject: RE: Regulation 28 Letter for Salford City Council - Emma Harper
Good morning,
We would be grateful for an update regarding the Reg 28 request.
Kind regards
HM Coroner’s Court and Office for Manchester West Paderborn House Howell Croft
Importance: High
CAUTION External E-Mail: Take extra care before clicking links, attachments and actioning requests. Think Before you Click
Hello
Please find below the response on behalf of Salford City Council – apologies for the delay in getting it to you.
Salford City Council have been in discussion with National Highways regarding this matter. They confirmed that the bridge structure, parapets and retaining walls on are National Highway assets. As such we believe they are looking into the feasibility of remedial works at this location following this recent incident.
Salford will assist and support in terms of any Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders, temporary traffic management etc as required that might impact our network.
I believe that National Highways have already emailed their response to your office outlining the above and they are to share a copy with Salford so that we are all fully informed on any proposed way forward.
If you need anything further relating to this matter then get back to me.
Regards
Traffic Management, Parking Services & Road Safety E
Salford City Council Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton M27 5AW
From: Sent: 14 November 2024 10:24 To: Subject: RE: Regulation 28 Letter for Salford City Council - Emma Harper
Good morning,
We would be grateful for an update regarding the Reg 28 request.
Kind regards
HM Coroner’s Court and Office for Manchester West Paderborn House Howell Croft
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On 10 May 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Emma Victoria HARPER aged 52. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 09 September 2024. The conclusion of the inquest was Suicide, and the medical cause of death was: I a Blunt Force Chest Trauma I b I c II
Circumstances of the Death
The deceased had a complex mental health history with a number of suicide attempts and self-harm having occurred in the months leading up to her death. The most recent occurred on in March when she swallowed batteries and was admitted to Salford Royal Hospital for a period between 25 March 2024 and 12 April 2024. A subsequent attendance following ingestion of batteries occurred on 26 April 2024. On discharge from hospital on 12 April there were delays in being referred to an appropriate mental health team in the community. On 1 May 2024, the deceased presented at Salford Royal Hospital and underwent a mental health assessment with the mental health liaison team, this resulted in a low risk assessment despite the previous attempts to take her own life and a referral to Living well was made. A referral was made to the urgent assessment team on 2 May 2024 by staff at the listening lounge after it was reported by the deceased that she did not feel she could keep herself safe. On 3 May 2024 she was assessed and accepted by the Home Treatment Team and daily visits were arranged with a care plan being agreed. The deceased left home at some point from the evening of 3 May 2024 and was subsequently seen on CCTV at approximately 5:25 on 4 May 2024 walking towards the bridge under which she was found She was discovered below a footbridge on the M602 on 4 May 2024 having fallen onto a crash barrier at the side of the motorway from the bridge above and no signs of life were observed. Death was declared at 06:40. On the balance of probabilities, the deceased fell from the foot bridge above having intended to do so to take her own life. The injuries she sustained in the fall caused her death.
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.