David Langford

I am Kate Robertson, Assistant Coroner for North Wales (East and Central)

On 16 May 2024 an investigation was commenced into the death of David Paul  Langford (DOB: 31 January 1994) who died on 11 May 2024. The investigation  concluded at the end of the inquest on 8 December 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision.

The circumstances of the death are as follows : David Paul Langford was riding his KTM motorcycle along the A548 approximately 1.2 miles north of Llangernyw and approximately 4 miles south-west of Llanfair  Talhaiarn, Conwy, when a collision occurred with a motor vehicle emerging from  the Waterloo Hill junction which had poor visibility. David Langford was declared  deceased at the scene.

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 The topography at the collision scene location was considered significant. A  visibility mirror was present opposite the Waterloo Hill Junction and was, and in fact still is, positioned as such to provide traffic exiting the junction a view of  traffic approaching on the A548 and from the Llangernyw direction. Visibility is reduced for motorists exiting the junction to the right and those  approaching from the direction of Llangernyw on the A548 by the following:- The overgrown tree foliage and hedgerow running alongside the nearside of the Llanfair Talhaiarn bound lane of the A548 just prior to the area of the collision; and The dull nature of the visibility’s mirror’s reflective surface which hindered the view provided, along with overgrown foliage around the mirror which  obscured the view along a section of the Llanfair Talhaiarn bound lane The left hand bend for those approaching the junction on the A548 from  the Llangernyw direction Witness evidence indicated that ‘… it is exceptionally dangerous’. The location  has excess shrubbery that limits visibility towards the junction from Abergele  direction. This is coupled with a directional mirror to assist turning onto the A548, but again, this has excess foliage’ . The witness went on to say ‘ I have contacted  the local council to see what can be done to promote safety at this junction’. It was noted by evidence from North Wales Police that the mirror had been replaced and the excess shrubbery and overgrowth maintained around the mirror and around the junction. Whilst these improvements are noted there remain two concerns The railings to the right of the junction are old and rusty and their position  provides a barrier from view down the road. It was noted that Conwy  County Borough Council had noted this and no action has yet been taken; and It was noted that the stretch of road in question is subject to a national  speed limit and it is a concern that this high Speed does not account for the dangerous junction at Wterloo Hill. I am concerned that deaths will occur into the future and/or continue to occur as a result of these concerns.

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