Coroner links blocked drains to fatal road crash

A temporary flood warning sign was on the road for about five years, the coroner said

A motorist died after skidding on a flooded road that had blocked drains and a temporary flood warning sign that had been there for five years, a coroner has said.

James Scott, 25, from Kings Worthy, Hampshire, was pronounced dead at the scene of a two-vehicle collision on the A33 near Winchester in July 2024.

In a report sent to Hampshire County Council and National Highways, coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp said more regular maintenance might have cleared the water.

The two authorities said they were considering their responses.

Mr Scott was driving southbound at about 21:45 BST on 5 July when he hit standing water near the Cart and Horses pub.

His Vauxhall Corsa crossed the central reservation and collided with an oncoming Ford Ranger truck, the coroner said.

In a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, she said: "On examination it was observed that two of the drains to the nearside of the southbound lane were compacted with vegetation, resulting in little or no surface drainage.

"This is despite annual scheduled maintenance for year 2023/2024 taking place on 19th May 2023 and 15th November 2023.

"The forensic examiner concluded that the standing water was a contributory factor in the collision."

Ms Rhodes-Kemp questioned why only a temporary sign was in place for so long.

She added: "Whilst the precise cause of the flooding is unknown, a more regular maintenance schedule may have prevented the build-up of vegetation within the gullies."

Hampshire County Council and National Highways have until 18 September to respond to the coroner.

In a statement, the council said: "We are terribly saddened by this tragic incident and our thoughts remain with Mr Scott's loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

"We are considering our response to the coroner's report and are unable to comment any further while this process is ongoing."

National Highways said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of James Scott following this tragic incident.

"We will review the coroner's report and respond within the deadline."