1. Hazardous Right-Turn Manoeuvre Across Multiple Lanes and Road Markings Vehicles exiting Moss Farm Shop are currently required to cross a lane of traffic approaching from their right, traverse double solid white lines, and pass through a right-turn filter lane before entering the main carriageway. This configuration necessitates crossing areas specifically marked to restrict overtaking and protect turning movements, creating a complex and potentially hazardous manoeuvre for drivers.
2. Absence of Left-Turn Only Signage at Moss Farm Shop There is no “left turn only” signage—either in the form of a mandatory highway sign or an advisory sign positioned by the Farm itself—at the Moss Farm Shop exit. This is in contrast to other nearby businesses along the A5, which display such signage to discourage or prohibit right turns across the carriageway.
3. Ineffectiveness of Road Markings in Preventing Prohibited Overtaking Although the road markings at this location—including double solid white lines and hatched areas—are intended to prohibit overtaking by vehicles (including motorcycles) travelling from Cannock and the Turf Island towards the Moss Farm junction, available evidence demonstrates that these markings are not effective in practice. CCTV analysis from the day of the collision and a separate 3-hour review period revealed that, within that window, 31 vehicles (28% of all vehicles exiting) turned right out of the Moss Farm Shop, and 7 motorcycles and 1 car overtook on the prohibited section prior to the junction.
4. Ambiguity in Legal Guidance Regarding Right Turns Across Double White Lines The inquest was told that there is ambiguity and contradiction in the guidance regarding the legality of turning right out of premises across double solid white lines at the location of Moss Farm Shop. As per the police report: “It would appear that the rules surrounding crossing double white lines to enter and exit junctions and premises is a little more ambiguous. The Highway Code mentioning only entry into, whilst a government website states entry and exit.” This contradiction may lead to different drivers having different understandings of the law and whether they would anticipate vehicles turning right out of the farm shop across double white lines. In summary, the current road layout, lack of clear signage, ineffective enforcement of road markings, and legal ambiguities potentially create a hazardous environment for road users at the Moss Farm Shop exit.