Dorset coroner Rachael Griffin urges BCP Council and Bournemouth Airport to take action before another road fatality after death of Billy Lardner

URGENT road safety improvements must be made at Bournemouth Airport, a coroner has said after a boy was killed at traffic lights near the site.

Senior Dorset coroner Rachael Griffin has written to the airport’s operators and BCP Council to warn them about “fundamental” issues she says need to be addressed.

Her report comes after the death of 16-year-old Billy Lardner from Christchurch, who was hit by a speeding driver and killed as he was leaving the airport on 30th June 2023.

Tyrone Franklin, from Poole, was jailed for 11 years in January for causing the death after his Honda Civic hit the teen at more than 80mph. Franklin had been drinking before the crash and fled the scene, but was later caught and arrested by police.

In her report, Ms Griffin said Billy had been working at a concessions stand in the airport until 9.30pm the night of his death.

He had left the airport and was crossing Parley Lane at the traffic lights junction with Hurn Court Lane towards his brother’s car, which was stopped at the lights, when he was struck by Franklin’s car going through a red light at speed.

Billy suffered “significant, traumatic” injuries and died at the scene.

“During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern,” Ms Griffin wrote. “In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.”

Listing her concerns, she wrote there is “limited access” to the airport by public transport, which is served by only one bus service. She also found many people access the airport on foot, having been dropped off or picked up on Parley Lane where there are no lay-bys or drop-off zones.

She described Parley Lane as a “busy” single carriageway and noted there is no footpath running along the adjoining Hurn Court Lane. She wrote: “This results in pedestrians walking in the road or on the grass section next to the road on Hurn Court Lane to get to the airport terminal.

“This is dangerous as it is not a stable, safe public pathway and could lead to people falling into the road or being struck by vehicles, especially as people pull suitcases along. The airport has erected signs stating there is no pedestrian access, however, these are widely ignored.”

During a site visit with Dorset Police and senior BCP Council safety officers, the coroner found Billy’s death had “highlighted some fundamental safety issues”.

She wrote: “At this time no action has been taken around these safety issues.

“Accordingly, the safety issues remain the same 17 months on from the site assessment, with a likely increasing number of passengers using the airport going forward.

“I, therefore, have concerns that there could be future deaths given the manner in which users are accessing the airport and the lack of public transport and pedestrian access available.”

She concluded: “In my opinion urgent action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe [Bournemouth Airport and BCP Council] have the power to take such action.”

Following the report’s publication, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, Cllr Rich Herrett, said: “Any death on our roads is a tragedy, and our sympathies remain with Billy’s family and friends. We will closely review the coroner’s report and respond in due course.”

A Bournemouth Airport spokesperson said: “We are devastated by the tragic death of Billy Lardner, who was killed by a driver who pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

“We fully support the coroner's call for urgent action, and are working with our neighbours and local stakeholders to try to create a holistic solution.

“We have worked hard to minimise the risk to pedestrians, including placing prominent warning signs prohibiting pedestrian access along Hurn Court Lane.

“The provision of further public transport to the airport will take time, but would also be a welcomed.

“We are pleased that, following our discussions with the police and the local authority, BCP Council has confirmed it is progressing with plans to reduce the speed limit on Parley Lane from 60mph to 40mph.”