Coroner raises concerns about the 30 mph speed limit on North Bar Street and its impact on pedestrian safety after a fatal accident.
An inquest into Mr. Paine’s death took place at Oxford Coroner’s Court on January 7. He crossed at a pedestrian crossing controlled by traffic signals, but he did not wait for the lights.
A coroner now questions the road’s speed limit, suggesting that a lower limit might have allowed the driver to stop. These concerns were detailed in a report sent to the Oxford County Council’s road department.
Mr. Paine walked from right to left across the road, believing it appeared clear, and without waiting for the lights to change.
The A361 is a straight, single carriageway road. Approaching south, drivers face a rise near Banbury Cross, a roundabout about 150 meters away. Coroner Graham noted that this rise hides the crossing.
At the inquest, a collision investigator stated that the driver likely failed to see Mr. Paine and that reaction time was too short. According to the investigator, avoiding the accident was impossible, even if seen.
The road’s speed limit is 30 mph, but some worry this is too fast given the road and pedestrian traffic. A slower speed might have helped the driver and lessened or avoided the impact.
Following the inquest and considering that other towns have adopted 20 mph city center limits, Mr. Graham contacted the county highways team. He urged action to improve safety on that road.