A CORONER’S call to lower the 60mph speed limit and improve the visibility along a busy Melksham road where a young motorcyclist died is gaining support.

Harvey Dawson, 20, died after he lost control of his Suzuki GSF 600 motorbike when he braked suddenly, and skidded into the path of a BMW leaving the Riverside MoT Centre.

The Bradford on Avon rider crashed on the B3107 on April 29 last year.

Senior coroner David Ridley said in his inquest report that Mr Dawson was travelling in excess of 66mph when he came around the bend and that this was a significant contributory factor in his death.

Mr Ridley published his findings in the form of a report which aims to prevent future deaths, recommending that the 60mph speed limit should fall to 50mph and that vegetation along the verge should be cut or removed to improve visibility.

“During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken,” wrote Mr Ridley.

He added: “What however has concerned me is that separately there does appear to be an issue in particular with vehicles emerging and turning right from the MoT Centre on to the B3107.

“In an expert report provided by PC Sharon Little (Collision Investigator) she said at paragraphs 7.11 and 7.12 of her report dated March 28, 2018, that there is insufficient available view to allow enough time or distance to safely turn right out of the junction if confronted by a vehicle travelling at a speed in excess of 42mph northbound due to the limited view.

“I am supportive of all these measures and am concerned that the issue of visibility as identified above if not addressed may lead to future incidents including future fatalities.”

This week the director of Riverside MOT Centre, Stuart Hoatson, and Chris Stratton, who runs Army Surplus on the same land, agreed.

“I completely endorse what the coroner has recommended. If they can get the speed limit down to 40mph that would be even better,” said Mr Hoatson.

“It is a fast bit of road and you go round a slight bend too. I definitely agree with the report, the road does need to have the speed limit lowered,” added Mr Stratton.

Melksham Without councillor Phil Alford added: “I want to see a speed reduction to prevent more accidents and loss of life. We want highways to take these concerns seriously. There is limited visibility along there and this should be addressed.”

The coroner’s report has been sent to the highways department at Wiltshire Council and Wiltshire Police.

A copy has also gone to his parents, Mark and Sue Dawson, of Bath Road, who are understood to be away from home this week.

Mrs Dawson told the Wiltshire Times last year: “He had a heart of gold. He was so lovable, so loyal and so family-orientated. If you were his friend he would do anything for you and he touched so many lives."

Melksham councillor Pat Aves added: “That road has high hedgerows, making it hard for people to see clearly. I would push the speed limit down to 40mph to stop another tragedy like this from happening again."