Rita Thomas and Christine Dale

I am Robert Cohen, HM Assistant Coroner for Cumbria

On 1 October 2024 an investigation commenced into the deaths of Rita Margaret Thomas  and Christine Dale. The investigations concluded at the end of the inquests. The conclusion  of the inquest in each case was ‘Road Traffic Collision’. In each case the medical cause of  death was associated with multiple traumatic injuries.

On 19th September 2024 Rita Thomas was driving, and Christine Dale was a passenger, in a vehicle being driven northbound up the exit ramp of the M6 at Junction 37. A bus was being  driven along the A684. The car collided with the bus causing both Mrs Thomas and Mrs Dale  to sustain life-ending injuries.

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 exit ramps at Junction 37 of the M6 are recognised to be ‘high harm’ spots. Several  very serious collisions have occurred at the same location. Significant efforts have been made to address this, including by placing stop signs, increasing the visibility of signs, and  improving driver awareness. However, the A684 remains the subject of the National Speed  Limit. I was informed that no speed limit was imposed because previous investigation ‘did not  highlight a speeding problem’. The evidence I heard included an observation by the driver of  the bus that: “At the point where I first saw the car, I was only a few metres away from the top of the slip road. The dark car was travelling up the slip road from my left-hand side. I must  have only been aware of its presence for a matter of one or two seconds…I did not have any  time to react or take any evasive action. As far as I recall I did not have time to brake or steer  to try and avoid the collision.” For the avoidance of doubt, the evidence indicates that the bus was being driven at less than  the national speed limit. I am concerned that this indicates that the speed at which vehicles are permitted to drive on  the A684, taken with the design of the junction, gives drivers insufficient time to react in the  event that a vehicle crosses into their path.

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