Haulier faces safety probe after car driver is killed by falling concrete block

The family of a car driver who died when a concrete block fell from a lorry and smashed through his windscreen are calling for securing methods on HGVs to be tightened up.

Steven Oscroft died in July 2020 when the piece of concrete fell from an uncovered part of a tipper truck belonging to Paul Wainwright Construction Services.

His wife and two grandchildren who were also in the car were unharmed.

Nottinghamshire police said a 64-year-old man was arrested shortly afterwards on suspicion of dangerous driving, but he was released without charge after a serious collision investigation concluded there were no offences against the driver or the haulage company.

However, an inquest into Oscroft’s death earlier this week concluded that he died as a result of a road traffic collision after the concrete fell from the truck.

Assistant coroner Gordon Clow said he would be preparing a 'preventing future deaths' report and would be requiring Paul Wainwright Construction Services to supply evidence that actions were being taken, including improved driver training and working practices.

Clow said he would also call for the DVSA to clarify legislation around securing lorry loads.

Oscroft’s family said they now want to see stricter rules for drivers and companies which carry loads, along with tougher penalties for those who break them.

They said there were grey areas in the regulations and drivers themselves seem uncertain of the rules.

Oscroft’s widow Denise said: “In my eyes, it wasn't an accident, it could have been prevented had there been a decent netting on the tipper that passed us.

“It was concrete that fell and that netting couldn’t have stopped anything from falling.”

His daughter Becky added: “We'd like to see proper sheeting on all trucks and loads not piled high.

“We want to change the securing methods so it’s a full round sheet tucked in at the sides.”

Detective Sergeant Adam Cooper, who led the serious collision investigation, said: “The family have just been remarkable considering what they have gone through.

“They've been so strong and supportive to the investigation and they are really trying to make a difference to unsafe loads so that this doesn't happen again.

“Our enquiries along with the coroner’s conclusion cements that Mr Oscroft's death could have been prevented and perhaps that might serve as some comfort to his loved ones.

DS Cooper added: “The case also stands as a stark reminder to all drivers and companies to ensure their loads are fit for the roads.

“If not for the good of the law, for their own conscience so that they don't head out one day and end up with blood on their hands.”

MT was unable to reach Paul Wainwright Construction Services for a comment.