Dorset coroner calls for A30 safety measures following fatal crashes
It comes after the death of 30 year old mum of three Charlotte Avis
Last updated 22nd May 2025
Dorset's coroner's written to the Transport Secretary and the Council, calling for safety improvements to the A30 between Yeovil and Sherborne.
It follows the death of 30 year old mum of three Charlotte Avis, from Milborne Port in Somerset, who died in December 2022 on the dual carriageway there.
Her Ford Focus was struck head-on at the Marl Lane crossroads by another car - she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sylwester Mielczarek, from Yeovil, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Salisbury Crown Court in February this year.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years.
A report by Dorset Coroner, Rachael Griffin, released this month, |newtab) raises concerns about the layout of the road, and the speed limit there.
That follows four fatalities on the same stretch of road between January 2020 and February 2024, including Charlotte's death.
Since the start of 2014, there have been eight crashes at that location in total.
The speed limit on the road was reduced by Dorset Council from a 70 mph to 60 mph in October 2024.
But Ms Griffin said in her report:
"In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you the Department for Transport and Dorset Council have the power to take such action."
The authorities have until July 1st to respond.
Tribute to Charlotte
Following her death, Charlotte's family released a statement through Dorset Police, which said:
“Charlotte was a very bubbly person. She stood up for herself when she needed too.
“She was incredibly funny and knew exactly what to say when you needed her comfort or support.
“She lived her life by her three children, everything she did, she did for them.
“She was a very hard-working mum even though she had to give up work due to her health, she always did what she had to do to make sure none of them went without.
“She didn’t always have the easiest of life, but she always found a way to get everyone together for a good laugh to cheer everyone up.
“She wasn’t just an amazing single mum, she was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, sister, auntie, niece and cousin to her ever-growing family."