Coroner's road signs concerns after cyclist death

A coroner has raised concerns over signs at a busy Hull roundabout after a cyclist was killed in a crash with a lorry.

Gary Dunn, 47, died instantly in the collision at the Stoneferry Road/Ferry Lane junction in December last year.

Area coroner Lorraine Harris has written a Prevention of Future Deaths report calling for extra markings and signs to help cyclists navigate the junction, which has been sent to Hull City Council and National Highways.

The council said it would "carefully review the evidence provided by the coroner".

An inquest held last week heard that Mr Dunn was cycling to college and was on the nearside of the lorry intending to head straight across the roundabout but "rode into the path" of the vehicle as the driver turned left.

The coroner said: "The CCTV seems to indicate he simply does not appreciate the lorry is turning left and he carries on his route which takes him in front of the LGV [large goods vehicle]."

Mr Dunn died of severe head injuries.

The court was told that the layout of the road had changed just before the incident allowing the centre lane be used to turn left.

Ms Harris said in her report that a Serious Collision Investigation Officer had raised concerns about the signage at the roundabout.

She said that although there were signs saying vehicles could turn left from the centre lane "the officer felt there was insufficient actual road signage to assist road users in how the roundabout can be navigated".

The coroner added that heavy traffic on the route meant that "markings on the road are often obscured".

She also said that a dual cycle and pedestrian path was available with a Toucan crossing by the roundabout, but there was evidence "that there was inappropriate signage to instruct cyclists that this route was available".

A council spokesperson said: "The council would like to offer its deepest condolences to the family of Gary Dunn.

"The council notes that the coroner has made observations to the council, upon which it is seeking a response by 28 January 2025.

"The council will carefully review the evidence provided to the coroner and the coroner's request before responding formally as requested."

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