Coroner Calls for improved lighting on King Edward VII avenue following fatal road accident.

A CORONER has called for more lighting at the exit to the Windsor Royal Tattoo after an 85 year old woman was killed when she was hit by a car. The inquest heard that poor lighting had contributed to the death, for which a verdict of accidental death was recorded.

The lady from Sutton, was hit by a car as she crossed King Edward VII Avenue to get back to a coach after attending the event in the usually private grounds of Windsor Castle.

The inquest in Maidenhead heard that she had stepped out between stationary traffic queuing from Datchet into Windsor but was hit by a car travelling in the other way. A temporary pedestrian crossing had been installed less than 100m away.

Reported in the local press, PC Kevin Spiller said: "Failure to make use of the crossing has resulted in this tragic accident. It would be beneficial to have more temporary lights and this would allow vehicles to see the position of pedestrians on the pavement better."

East Berkshire Coroner Peter Bedford said: "There is no doubt that a lot of people in a confined space at night with a lack of significant light for the whole stretch of the area presents certain hazards.

"Crossing between the stationary cars reduced the opportunity for Miss Bushnell to see and react to Mrs Spencer unexpectedly stepping out in the path of the car.

"There is nothing to suggest Miss Bushnell was in any way culpable for the tragic death."

The coroner has said he plans to write to the local authority to suggest imposing provisions for improved lighting in the area.