Safety Signs News

Coroner calls for warning signs at death spot

17th September 2010 | Warning Signs

A North Yorkshire coroner has said warning signs should be installed at a ford where a woman tragically met her death.

In February this year the businesswoman was swept out to and drowned in Hartoft Beck after trying to orient her Land Rover through strong currents which pushed the car 100 yards so it was stuck against a bridge, the Yorkshire Post reported.

The woman was used to crossing the ford to visit two properties she owned in the area, but unfortunately the waters had to risen to over two foot than was normal.

At an inquest at Scarborough County Court, police constable Stuart Langford said the downpour was extreme, the newspaper reported.

"It was an exceptional downpour of rain. It had been raining constantly since about 1am and the water level began to rise about 5am. It also appears the vehicle had rolled at least once under the water," he said.

Coroner Michael Oakley, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, said warning signs were needed at the spot.

"I will be informing the Highways Agency about putting a sign up to warn motorists about the ford in the future."

The importance of having appropriate warning signs in place was highlighted last month after a woman was cleared of endangering lives on a railway track partly because no warning signs were in place.
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