A senior coroner has called for immediate action to enhance safety on a notorious section of the A30 after a series of fatal accidents have claimed four lives in just over four years. The stretch between Yeovil and Sherborne has been the site of multiple tragic crashes, raising serious concerns about road safety.
Dorset’s senior coroner, Rachael Griffin, issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report directed to Dorset Council following the death of Charlotte Avis. The 30-year-old mother died in a collision on the A30 on December 1, 2022. Sylwester Mielczarek, from Yeovil, pleaded guilty to causing her death by careless driving and received an 18-month suspended prison sentence at Salisbury Crown Court in February 2024.
Mrs. Griffin’s report highlighted that eight crashes have occurred at the same site since 2014, with other fatal incidents reported in January 2020, December 2022, and February 2024. Despite Dorset Council reducing the speed limit from 70mph to 60mph in October 2024, the coroner remains deeply concerned about the road’s layout and the high number of collisions. She urged Dorset Council and the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, to take further action to prevent future deaths and requested a response by early July.
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Charlotte Avis was driving eastbound towards Sherborne in her Ford Focus at the junction with Marl Lane when her vehicle was struck head-on by another car that had lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic. The impact resulted in fatal injuries, and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charlotte’s family has paid an emotional tribute to her, recalling her as a hard-working and devoted mother of three who touched many lives with her warmth and sense of humor. They expressed deep gratitude toward the public and authorities for their support during this difficult time, urging all drivers to exercise caution on the roads.
The tragic pattern of crashes on this stretch of the A30 has prompted urgent demands for road safety improvements to protect motorists and prevent further loss of life.