Donald Mitchell: Prevention of Future Deaths Report

Road (Highways Safety) related deathsWales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)

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Date of report: 17/01/2025 

Ref: 2025-0042 

Deceased name: Donald Mitchell 

Coroners name: Patricia Morgan 

Coroners Area: South Wales Central 

Category: Road (Highways Safety) related deaths | Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)

This report is being sent to: Bridgend County Borough Council | Welsh Government 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS
THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

The Chief Executive, Bridgend County Borough Council 
Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff   
1CORONER 

I am Patricia Morgan Area Coroner, for the coroner area of South Wales Central.
2CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 
3INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 31 December 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Donald John  Drummond MITCHELL . The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest 17/01/2025 . The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision. 

The medical Cause of Death was:- 
1a   Blunt Head Injury, including Transection of both Internal Carotid Arteries 
1b  
1c  
 II        
4CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

These were recorded as :- 

Donald John Drummond Mitchell was cycling from his place of work to his home on 17  December 2020. Whilst cycling along the A48 road in an eastbound direction, between the Laleston roundabout and the junction of Well Street, Mr Mitchell was struck by a vehicle  travelling in the same direction. Mr Michell suffered catastrophic head injuries as a  consequence of the collision and was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Conclusion: Road Traffic Collision 
5CORONER’S CONCERNS 

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)  Between 2015 and 2024, along the A48 between Pyle and Ewenny which is a 5.75 mile stretch of road, there have been 4 fatal collisions and 8 serious collisions.  Of these collisions, 5 involved cyclists.   
    
(2) On the basis of the evidence of the nature of the road between Ewenny  roundabout and Pyle roundabout (which varies between a single and dual  carriageway), the speed limit in place (which varies between 40mph and up to  national speed limit), the current absence of an active travel route or modifications  to the route to specifically cater for cyclist safety, along with the data available as to the number of collisions along this route relating to cyclist, I remain concerned that  there is a risk of future deaths occurring along this route unless action is taken.   
6ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN 

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and your organisation have the power to take such action. 
7YOUR RESPONSE 

You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, namely by 14 March 2025. I, the Coroner, may extend the period. 
Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 
8COPIES and PUBLICATION 

I have sent a copy of my report to family who may find it useful or of interest. 
I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response. 
The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of  interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response,  about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner. 
917 January 2025   
SIGNED:                                       
Patricia Morgan Area Coroner for South Wales Central Coroner Area