Council measures to prevent further deaths at a notorious junction in Newport "do not go far enough", according to the Isle of Wight's coroner.
Caroline Sumeray has called for more to be done to reduce the likelihood of collisions at Whitehouse Road and Forest Road.
Islander Yvonne Copland was killed in a crash, involving a double decker bus, at the junction in 2019.
Essex woman, Yaashmi Ravikumar, admitted causing death by dangerous driving and was given two years and four months detention, after her sentence was increased.
In her sentencing remarks, Judge Susan Evans QC said:
"It is right and fair that I should make the observation that this is not, perhaps, the easiest of junctions. It is not the first time that a serious road traffic collision has taken place at this particular junction.
“Whitehouse Lane has high hedges and it does not afford a good view of the major road, although an approaching double-decker bus would probably have been visible to you.
"In addition to that the road may be somewhat deceptive when travelling along Whitehouse Lane in that a person who fails to observe the signage and the road markings could read the road as continuing straight across, which is the way in which you recall reading the road, and I accept that, coupled with your over reliance on the audio of your satellite navigation system, that is how you saw it, having failed to observe the clear warnings on the approach to the junction. Two “Give Way” signs, road markings and a change of surface."
The crash led to a campaign to improve safety at the junction, with a petition to install traffic lights gaining around 7,000 signatures.
Instead, the local authority proposed realigning hedgerows and changes to signs on Forest Road.
In a report to prevent future deaths, sent to the council and Island Road, Mrs Sumeray said there had been seven collisions in the area in the last five years.
She said:
"Whilst I am aware that some measures have been taken by the Isle of Wight Council to reduce the likelihood of a collision in the future by realigning a hedge, I am concerned that this measure does not go far enough to make this junction significantly safer for all road users in the future."
The council and Island Roads have until May 3 to respond to the findings.
Any response, the report says, should contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action.
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty Plan Unanimously Approved
More Islanders Cross The Solent With Wightlink’s Discounted Fares For NHS Appointments
Hampshire And Isle Of Wight Air Ambulance Funds Defibrillators For The Community
Isle Of Wight Council Budget Pressures Likely To Continue Following Autumn Statement
Council Approves Support Package To Help Islanders On Low Incomes
Isle Of Wight Councillor In Mental Health Priority Motion
Bird Keepers Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increased Avian Influenza Risk
Island Pupils Receive Lesson In Road Safety That Could Save Lives
New Shanklin Flats Given Green Light
Joe Robertson Appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary For Shadow Culture, Media And Sport
Shanklin Company Making Nuclear Waste Sorting Safer, Greener And Cheaper
Five-Year Isle Of Wight Landscape Plan Decision On Horizon
Help Sought For Isle Of Wight's Struggling Small Businesses
Primary School Admissions For September 2025 Now Open
Island Families Invited To Take Tour Of St Mary's Special Care Baby Unit
Work To Sink Three Boreholes At Leeson Road Due To Finish This Week
Emergency Works Underway To Repair Shanklin Culvert And Prevent Flooding
New Strategy For Tree Care On Isle Of Wight
Public Spaces Protection Orders To Be Reinstated Across The Island
Who Is Your Island Tourism Hero? Red Funnel's Isle Of Wight Award Nominations Open For 2025
