Daniel Waite
16 Nov 2020 · Coroner Bina Patel · Mid Kent and Medway
The coroner's concerns
1. parked tipper trucks without signage
“The A20 Ashford Road has no parking restrictions in force for this stretch of road. A total of 8 tipper lorries had been directed to stop on the A20 Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, close to the Mercure Hotel to await the deployment of motorway works on the M20 Motorway. The evidence at the inquest revealed that there was no requirement for coning or signage that may have alerted other road users to their presence.”
2. unrestricted parking of heavy vehicles
“There is not at present any restriction to parking or a requirement for signage on this section of the road such as a clearway and this is of particular concern.”
3. stationary heavy vehicles on roadway
“The deceased [the deceased] was riding a pedal cycle at approximately 19:55 hours on a dry clear sunny day on the A20 Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, Kent. He had approached a stationary convoy of eight tipper trucks parked and awaiting deployment and for reasons unknown he has collided with the rear of the last tipper truck and as a result sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene on the 3 July 2019.”