A CORONER is calling for lighting on a 'dangerous' stretch of motorway where a teenage boy was killed.
Sean Green, 17, is believed to have been taking a short cut home across the M61 after a party.
The trainee mechanic (pictured) was struck by a car being driven by an off-duty police officer. He died four days later from massive head injuries.
Police said lighting could have prevented his death.
At the inquest in Bolton it emerged that police had received no response from the Highways Agency to a request for lighting on the stretch of the M61 near Westhoughton following another fatal accident five years ago.
Seven subsequent e-mails were also unanswered, the inquest was told.
Coroner Jennifer Leeming, who recorded a verdict of accidental death, will now write to the Highways Agency to demand answers.
She said: "I have serious concerns about the failure of the Highways Agency to reply.
"It seems to me that the issue of the lighting on this section of motorway should receive, at the very least, very serious consideration.
"Clearly, motorways would be safer if they were lit."
Mrs Leeming added: "I accept he should not have been there, but there are others who could be on motorways in legitimate circumstances."
Inquest
The inquest was told that on the night of the tragedy in March Sean, of Westhoughton, Bolton, had been to a party with friends before walking home alone. Tests showed he was three times the legal drink-drive limit.
Police said Sean climbed an embankment to cross the carriageway. His family believe he was taking a short cut.
He was hit by a Fiat being driven at 70mph by Manchester police officer Margaret Ball as she drove home from work.
She said: "I saw a dark figure directly in front of me, then a loud bang.
"I was in shock and pulled up as soon as I could. I could not avoid him."
Party
Friends who were at the party said youngsters, including Sean, had used the carriageways as a crossing point in the past.
Sgt John Jameson said he believed the incident would not have happened if there had been street lighting.
He said: "Some five years ago GMP wrote to the Highways Agency asking why it was not lit after previous tragedies.
"We have also sent seven e-mails on behalf of the coroner. We have received no response.
"There is no credible reason why they have not put lighting there."Sgt Christopher Noblet said: "Pedestrians are not permitted on motorways. It is a very dark stretch of motorway.
"All motorways would be safer if they were lit."
After the inquest, Sean's mum Sheila Green revealed that his kidneys had been donated.
She said: "We have had a response back to say that they have been successful."
She described her son as 'a larger than life character'. Sean's uncle, Chris Green, pleaded for youngsters not to cross or play on motorways.
He said: "If we can get anything positive out of this, like lighting, it will be welcome.
"We still miss him and we will never forget him."
A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "Safety is always our top priority. We can not comment until we receive the letter from the coroner."
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Coroner's m-way lights plea
September 13, 2007
Showing comments 1 to 10 and replies | View All
Andrew, Manchester (13/09/2007 at 07:10)
Leo B (13/09/2007 at 08:42)
SamV, Manchester (13/09/2007 at 09:34)
If its a popular crossing point then a foot bridge might be a more sensible solution.
Black Sabbath (13/09/2007 at 10:21)
Paul, Manchester (13/09/2007 at 11:18)
Hey, why not make it law for every plug socket to be embossed with the words 'water and electricity do not mix, just in case someone decides to see what would happen? Why not make our entire rail network run underground, because someone playing on the track might be hit? Why not have barriers at traffic lights, just in case someone decides to go through on red? Why not... etc. etc.
We are all adults (or children who should be under the supervision of adults) so why can't we be expected to behave responsibly? Is that too much to ask?
Andrew, Manchester (13/09/2007 at 12:36)
Nothing needs changing on the motorway, people just need to grow up and abide by the laws of the land. They are there for a reason!! They are not perfect, but are far better than the alternative.
edwards (13/09/2007 at 12:59)
Black Sabbath (14/09/2007 at 09:54)
Joey, Ashton under Lyne, (14/09/2007 at 12:21)
" A 13-year-old girl had been drinking cider before she tripped and fell on to a railway track and was electrocuted, the inquest into her death was told. The inquest heard the girls were planning to reach the 24-hour Tesco store by crossing a motorway flyover but took the shortcut instead for unexplained reasons"
I can see a parallel here, Young - Drunk - Short cut.
Better judgement required which normally comes with age and goes with alcohol!
Tameside Blue, Tameside (14/09/2007 at 12:32)
However, I cannot disagree with any of the previous comments. The coroner should stick to what he is paid to do and determine the cause of death.
Highway matters are for the Highways department, not coroners.
My sympathies go to the parents and family but what about the Policewoman. She must be having nightmares since the incident and will have to live with causing someone's death, albeit accidentally, for the rest of her life. She didn't ask for this.
Don't cross Motorways particularly when you had a few pints. (Wouldn't it be great if we were all perfect but some things, you just don't do)