'Unsafe' speed limit warning after cyclist's death

A coroner has issued an "unsafe" speed limit warning on a stretch of road after a man's death.

John Liddle was hit by a minibus on the A694 at Lockhaugh Road, in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead and died 18 days later of head injuries.

Senior coroner for Newcastle and North Tyneside, Georgina Nolan, said the 40mph (about 65km/h) speed limit was too high after a number of "other collisions" along the stretch.

Gateshead Council has been approached for comment.

The coroner's concerns were raised as part of a Prevention of Future Deaths report - a document issued when a coroner believes action should be taken to avoid future fatalities.

Mr Liddle, who lived in Rowlands Gill but was originally from Sunderland, was 44 when he died last May.

Miss Nolan said his bike lights were on and he had been wearing a yellow cycling jacket at the time of the crash.

As he moved out towards the centre of the road to take the turn into Sherburn Park Drive, he was struck by the minibus that was overtaking behind him.

He died at the Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary several days later.

Following the inquest, which concluded on Friday, Miss Nolan issued her report.

She said the road was in a residential area with bends and junctions and although the limit had temporarily been lowered to 30mph (48 km/h), it was 40mph at the time of Mr Liddle's death.

"A 40mph speed limit is unsafe for this stretch of road," she said.

Gateshead Council has 56 days to respond, outlining what action it intends to take or explain why it is not taking any action.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].