Aaron Nordass-Lacey
PFD Report
All Responded
Ref: 2018-0028
All 1 response received
· Deadline: 3 Aug 2018
Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)
Excessive vehicle speeds, inadequate pedestrian barriers, and confusing cycle lane signage contribute to dangerous road crossing practices by pedestrians and cyclists on Barrack Road.
View full coroner's concerns
In the circumstances it is my statutory to report to During the inquest evidence was heard that: The road where the incident occurred that lead to Aaron's death, the A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch, Dorset is a road which has a speed limit of 30 miles per hour_ Evidence was given that people regularly drive at excessive speeds on this road_ The location of the incident is near to a school and evidence was given that people, especially school children, do not always use the designated crossing just prior to the junction of Clarendon Road and Barrack Road: Evidence was given that school children often flood out of the school and run into the road. Evidence was given that this was perceived to be a danger and that there could be the death of a person in the future: The placement of barriers along this section of road would assist in reducing the access to the road and encouraging pedestrians to use the crossing to cross the road safely, reducing the potential dangers and risk to life: It was also suggested that fixed speed camera may assist in regulating the speed of vehicles that use the road:. iii_ Evidence was also given in relation to the cycle lane Barrack Road_ The lane along Barrack Road heading towards Christchurch is on the footpath and is a shared lane and footpath: The cycle lane comes to an end just before the junction of Clarendon Road and evidence was given by the Collision Reduction Team Manager that the expectation is that when the cycle lane comes to an end, cyclists will cross the road and use the cycle path on the footpath on the other side of the road. Although there is a sign at the end of the cycle lane it is not clear that the expectation is for the cyclist to cross over the road at the crossing: The lack of signage is therefore confusing and could lead to a further collision:
2. I have concerns with regard to the following: The safety of pedestrians and cyclists who use Barrack Road; Christchurch where the incident that led to Aaron's death occurred. I would therefore request that there is a review of the safety measures in place and consideration is given to the erection of barriers along the pavement and also along the central reservation to discourage pedestrians and cyclists from crossing the road in a dangerous manner. duty you. along cycle cycle very ii , I would also request that a review is undertaken regarding the signage given to cyclists at this location and consideration be given to having a fixed speed camera at this location.
2. I have concerns with regard to the following: The safety of pedestrians and cyclists who use Barrack Road; Christchurch where the incident that led to Aaron's death occurred. I would therefore request that there is a review of the safety measures in place and consideration is given to the erection of barriers along the pavement and also along the central reservation to discourage pedestrians and cyclists from crossing the road in a dangerous manner. duty you. along cycle cycle very ii , I would also request that a review is undertaken regarding the signage given to cyclists at this location and consideration be given to having a fixed speed camera at this location.
Responses
Action Taken
Dorset Council has already implemented several safety improvements, including installing a coloured band on a signpost, and has issued work orders to remove a redundant deflection arrow and relocate a cycle route sign, to be completed by the end of April 2018. Cycle safety training is regularly delivered to schools. (AI summary)
Dorset Council has already implemented several safety improvements, including installing a coloured band on a signpost, and has issued work orders to remove a redundant deflection arrow and relocate a cycle route sign, to be completed by the end of April 2018. Cycle safety training is regularly delivered to schools. (AI summary)
View full response
Collision Reduction Team
A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Response report
Road Safety Assessment conducted by TMS Consultancy on behalf of Dorset County Council – March 2018
Environment and Economy Directorate Dorset County Council County Hall Colliton Park Dorchester DT1 1XJ
March 2018
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
Michael Potter
22 March 2018
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This is a report in response to a road safety assessment conducted by TMS Consultancy on behalf of Dorset County Council for the A35 Barrack Road Christchurch between Bailey Roundabout and the junction with Stour Road. The purpose of the assessment was to consider concerns raised by H M Senior Coroner for Dorset Racheal Clare Griffin regarding the inquest into the death of Aaron George Nordass-Lacey.
1.2 The assessment was conducted by Mark Steventon, LLM, Eng Tech, MIHE, MCIHT, MSoRSA; Senior Road Safety Consultant, TMS Consultancy on Monday 5 March 2018 and the report was completed on 22 March 2018.
1.3 For completeness, the assessment considered concerns raised by HM Senior Coroner for Dorset and also other potential safety issues on the section of Barrack Road, Christchurch between Bailey Roundabout the junction with Stour Road.
1.4 Personal injury collision data and traffic speed/flow data was supplied by Dorset County Council’s Collision Reduction Team and was examined as part of the assessment.
2. Safety Issues, Recommendations and Response.
2.1 Paragraph 7.1 in report by TMS – Risk of accidents involving cyclists travelling too from school – minority of school pupils choosing to cross away from toucan crossing on Barrack Road. Recommendation - Cycle safety training should be delivered at local schools. Response - Cycle safety training ‘Bikeability’ is delivered regularly to school in Christchurch and across the Dorset County Council area. During 2017, six training courses were delivered at Twynham School and two at Christchurch Junior School. Training is planned for 2018 but no dates have been confirmed yet.
2.2 Paragraph 7.2 - Risk of collisions involving cyclists – shell fuel station access. Recommendation - Signs warning of cyclists at the fuel station forecourt have become damaged or misaligned. Response - These signs are not on highway – we will liaise with the filling station to request and arrange that signs are relocated. Recommendation – If practical, the perimeter fence of the electricity sub-station should be realigned and or adjusted to improve inter-visibility between exiting drivers and approaching cyclists.
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
Michael Potter
22 March 2018
Response - This has been deemed to be impractical. Moving the fence would compromise the safety for engineers when accessing the sub-station.
2.3 Paragraph 7.3 – Risk of pull-out collisions at side road junction (Arthur Road) Recommendation – Overhanging hedge should be cut back clear of the junction visibility splay. Response - This hedge is believed to be privately owned. Work is underway to identify and contact the relevant landowner whose responsibility it is to cut back to the hedge as recommended. Landowners have 28 days from receipt of our request to cut back vegetation.
2.4 Paragraph 7.4 – Risk of head-on collisions between cyclists due to dense hedge affect visibility – footway/cycleway at Bailey Roundabout Recommendation – Hedge should be cut back and height reduced. Response - This hedge is believed to be privately owned. Work is underway to identify and contact the relevant landowner whose responsibility it is to cut back to the hedge as recommended. Landowners have 28 days from receipt of our request to cut back vegetation.
2.5 Paragraph 7.5 – Risk of collision involving cyclists – warning sign obscured by overhanging vegetation. Recommendation – Overhanging vegetation should be cut back clear of the warning sign. Response - The overhanging vegetation is believed to be privately owned. Work is underway to identify and contact the relevant landowner whose responsibility it is to cut back to the vegetation as recommended. Landowners have 28 days from receipt of our request to cut back vegetation.
2.6 Paragraph 7.6 – Risk of pedestrian trips and slips (Barrack Road/Stour Road junction) Recommendation – Pavement levels should be adjusted to improve drainage at the crossing points. Response - Nearby drainage gullies will be inspected during week commencing 26 March with any required work ordered accordingly. The pavement level will also be considered during this inspection with work ordered accordingly.
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
22 March 2018
2.7 Paragraph 7.7 – Risk of injury to pedestrian – post of local direction sign in footway. Recommendation – Conspicuity of the post should be improved e.g. by attaching a conspicuous coloured band at eye height. Response - Hi-viz coloured band to be added to post on Tuesday 27 March 2018.
2.8 Paragraph 7.8 – Risk of side swipe collisions – Barrack Road north-westbound approach to Bailey Bridge – anomalous deflection arrow in offside lane. Recommendation – The redundant deflection arrow should be removed Response - Works order to remove deflection arrow raised on 22 March 2018 and will be completed as soon as is possible and before the end of April 2018.
2.9 Paragraph 7.9 – Risk of collision between cyclist and pedestrians – Barrack Road toucan crossing Recommendation – The segregated footway/cycleway sign should be removed. The intended safe route for cyclists should be clarified by relocating the remaining ‘end of cycle route’ sign closer to the toucan crossing. Response - The removal of the segregated footway/cycleway sign and relocation of the ‘end of cycle route’ was ordered on 22 March 2018 and will be completed as soon as is possible and before the end of April 2018.
I certify that I have reviewed the items raised in the Road Safety Assessment Report and I have given due consideration to each issue raised. I have stated my proposed course of action for each item in this report.
Name:
Position: Collision Reduction Team Manager Organisation: Dorset Highways, Dorset County Council
Signed:
Date: 22 March 2018
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
Michael Potter
22 March 2018
A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Response report
Road Safety Assessment conducted by TMS Consultancy on behalf of Dorset County Council – March 2018
Environment and Economy Directorate Dorset County Council County Hall Colliton Park Dorchester DT1 1XJ
March 2018
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
Michael Potter
22 March 2018
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This is a report in response to a road safety assessment conducted by TMS Consultancy on behalf of Dorset County Council for the A35 Barrack Road Christchurch between Bailey Roundabout and the junction with Stour Road. The purpose of the assessment was to consider concerns raised by H M Senior Coroner for Dorset Racheal Clare Griffin regarding the inquest into the death of Aaron George Nordass-Lacey.
1.2 The assessment was conducted by Mark Steventon, LLM, Eng Tech, MIHE, MCIHT, MSoRSA; Senior Road Safety Consultant, TMS Consultancy on Monday 5 March 2018 and the report was completed on 22 March 2018.
1.3 For completeness, the assessment considered concerns raised by HM Senior Coroner for Dorset and also other potential safety issues on the section of Barrack Road, Christchurch between Bailey Roundabout the junction with Stour Road.
1.4 Personal injury collision data and traffic speed/flow data was supplied by Dorset County Council’s Collision Reduction Team and was examined as part of the assessment.
2. Safety Issues, Recommendations and Response.
2.1 Paragraph 7.1 in report by TMS – Risk of accidents involving cyclists travelling too from school – minority of school pupils choosing to cross away from toucan crossing on Barrack Road. Recommendation - Cycle safety training should be delivered at local schools. Response - Cycle safety training ‘Bikeability’ is delivered regularly to school in Christchurch and across the Dorset County Council area. During 2017, six training courses were delivered at Twynham School and two at Christchurch Junior School. Training is planned for 2018 but no dates have been confirmed yet.
2.2 Paragraph 7.2 - Risk of collisions involving cyclists – shell fuel station access. Recommendation - Signs warning of cyclists at the fuel station forecourt have become damaged or misaligned. Response - These signs are not on highway – we will liaise with the filling station to request and arrange that signs are relocated. Recommendation – If practical, the perimeter fence of the electricity sub-station should be realigned and or adjusted to improve inter-visibility between exiting drivers and approaching cyclists.
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
Michael Potter
22 March 2018
Response - This has been deemed to be impractical. Moving the fence would compromise the safety for engineers when accessing the sub-station.
2.3 Paragraph 7.3 – Risk of pull-out collisions at side road junction (Arthur Road) Recommendation – Overhanging hedge should be cut back clear of the junction visibility splay. Response - This hedge is believed to be privately owned. Work is underway to identify and contact the relevant landowner whose responsibility it is to cut back to the hedge as recommended. Landowners have 28 days from receipt of our request to cut back vegetation.
2.4 Paragraph 7.4 – Risk of head-on collisions between cyclists due to dense hedge affect visibility – footway/cycleway at Bailey Roundabout Recommendation – Hedge should be cut back and height reduced. Response - This hedge is believed to be privately owned. Work is underway to identify and contact the relevant landowner whose responsibility it is to cut back to the hedge as recommended. Landowners have 28 days from receipt of our request to cut back vegetation.
2.5 Paragraph 7.5 – Risk of collision involving cyclists – warning sign obscured by overhanging vegetation. Recommendation – Overhanging vegetation should be cut back clear of the warning sign. Response - The overhanging vegetation is believed to be privately owned. Work is underway to identify and contact the relevant landowner whose responsibility it is to cut back to the vegetation as recommended. Landowners have 28 days from receipt of our request to cut back vegetation.
2.6 Paragraph 7.6 – Risk of pedestrian trips and slips (Barrack Road/Stour Road junction) Recommendation – Pavement levels should be adjusted to improve drainage at the crossing points. Response - Nearby drainage gullies will be inspected during week commencing 26 March with any required work ordered accordingly. The pavement level will also be considered during this inspection with work ordered accordingly.
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
22 March 2018
2.7 Paragraph 7.7 – Risk of injury to pedestrian – post of local direction sign in footway. Recommendation – Conspicuity of the post should be improved e.g. by attaching a conspicuous coloured band at eye height. Response - Hi-viz coloured band to be added to post on Tuesday 27 March 2018.
2.8 Paragraph 7.8 – Risk of side swipe collisions – Barrack Road north-westbound approach to Bailey Bridge – anomalous deflection arrow in offside lane. Recommendation – The redundant deflection arrow should be removed Response - Works order to remove deflection arrow raised on 22 March 2018 and will be completed as soon as is possible and before the end of April 2018.
2.9 Paragraph 7.9 – Risk of collision between cyclist and pedestrians – Barrack Road toucan crossing Recommendation – The segregated footway/cycleway sign should be removed. The intended safe route for cyclists should be clarified by relocating the remaining ‘end of cycle route’ sign closer to the toucan crossing. Response - The removal of the segregated footway/cycleway sign and relocation of the ‘end of cycle route’ was ordered on 22 March 2018 and will be completed as soon as is possible and before the end of April 2018.
I certify that I have reviewed the items raised in the Road Safety Assessment Report and I have given due consideration to each issue raised. I have stated my proposed course of action for each item in this report.
Name:
Position: Collision Reduction Team Manager Organisation: Dorset Highways, Dorset County Council
Signed:
Date: 22 March 2018
Road Safety Assessment Response A35 Barrack Road, Christchurch
Dorset Highways
Michael Potter
22 March 2018
Sent To
- Dorset County Council
Response Status
Linked responses
1 of 1
56-Day Deadline
3 Aug 2018
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
Report Sections
Investigation and Inquest
On the 20th October 2016, an investigation was commenced into the death of Aaron George Nordass-Lacey, born on the 6th July 1995_ The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on the 24th January 2018. The Medical Cause of Death was: la Head and Chest Injuries The conclusion of the Inquest was that Aaron George Nordass-Lacey died when he fell from his bicycle and was struck by a motor vehicle, but the sequence of events as to how he sustained his injuries is unclear, even on the balance of probabilities:
Circumstances of the Death
On the 13th October 2016, the deceased was riding his father's Corratec X-vert Cross Pedal Cycle along the A35, Barrack Road, Christchurch at Bailey Bridge: He made way onto the central reservation of that road and fell from his bike towards the carriageway into the path of an oncoming motor vehicle: He sustained unsurvivable injuries to his head and chest and despite being taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, his death was confirmed there a short time later that The sequence of he sustained his injuries is not clear, whether he hit the ground before he was struck by the car, whether the car struck him before he hit the ground, or whether both occurred at the same time: his day. how
Action Should Be Taken
In my opinion urgent action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action.
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Data sourced from Courts and Tribunals Judiciary under the Open Government Licence.