Coroner Raises Safety Concerns Over M6 Junction After Fatal Crash

A coroner has called on National Highways to review the safety of a motorway junction following the deaths of two women in a collision involving a car and a bus.

Rita Thomas and Christine Dale were travelling northbound up the exit ramp at Junction 37 of the M6 when their car collided with a bus on the A684 on 19 September 2024. Both women later died at Royal Preston Hospital from multiple traumatic injuries, a joint inquest heard.

Assistant coroner for Cumbria, Robert Cohen, has issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to National Highways, highlighting concerns about the junction’s design. Such reports are used to flag potential risks in order to prevent similar incidents.

In his findings, Mr Cohen described the exit ramps at Junction 37 as “recognised high harm spots”, noting that several serious collisions have previously occurred at the same location. While measures such as additional stop signs and enhanced high-visibility signage have been introduced, he questioned whether they go far enough.

The coroner raised particular concern about the national speed limit on the A684, suggesting it may be too high given the layout of the junction. He said the combination of road design and vehicle speeds could leave drivers with insufficient time to react if a vehicle emerges from the slip road.

Evidence heard during the inquest revealed the bus was travelling below the speed limit at the time of the crash. The driver told the hearing he only became aware of the car when it was “a few metres away from the top of the slip road”.

“I must have only been aware of its presence for a matter of one or two seconds,” he said. “I did not have any time to react or take evasive action.”

National Highways said it would review the coroner’s report and respond by the 11 April deadline.

A spokesperson added: “Our deepest sympathies remain with the loved ones of Rita Thomas and Christine Dale.”