Charlotte Noordam

I am Ana Samuel Assistant Coroner for Birmingham and Solihull

On 18 March 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Charlotte NOORDAM. The  investigation concluded at the end of the inquest . The conclusion of the inquest was; Road traffic collision

On the 8th March 2025 at around 14.12 the deceased was riding a black Yamaha Tracer 700 motorbike registration number [REDACTED] down Frederick Road in Edgbaston towards the junction with St James Road. Upon reaching the junction she failed to comply with the stop sign and crossed into the path of and into collision with an MG 3 motor vehicle registration number [REDACTED],  which was travelling with right of way along St James Road. Death was certified at 14.48 at the  junction of Frederick road and St James Road. Following a post mortem the medical cause of death was determined to be: 1a Multiple Injuries 1b Road Traffic Collision 1c 1d II

During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my  opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows. –

1. The junction is a crossroads in Edgbaston between Frederick Road (running North South) and St James Road (running East West). Both roads are two way priority. Traffic flow  priority is along St James Road. Access northwards to St James row from Frederick Road  is controlled by a GIVE WAY. Access southwards to St James row from Frederick Road is  controlled by a STOP. Both roads are the subject of a 20mph speed limit Traffic Regulation Order.
2. Birmingham City Council stated that if a new junction being designed from new (i.e. it was not a pre-existing historic arrangement), they would oppose the use of a non-signalised  crossroad junction because of the inherent confusion around priority of movement at the  crossroad. However, this is a historic highway arrangement.
3. Whilst the road layout, including signage and road markings, complies with the legal  requirements this does not appear to have mitigated against the prevalence of incidents at the stop junction.
4. There have been at least 27 other road traffic incidents at the same junction during the period 23

rd May 2014 to the 8 th March 25.

1. The police investigator gave evidence that, in his experience, the number of collisions at the stop junction raises questions about the safety of the junction.
2. Evidence from Birmingham City Council suggested that there were potentially additional measures that could be considered to mitigate any safety risks so far as reasonably  practicable.
3. I am concerned that there is still a risk to life for users of the junction.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you have the power to take such action.