'Fundamental' issues on road where boy was killed

"Fundamental" safety issues remain on a road nearly 18 months after a boy was killed by a speeding drink-driver, a coroner said.

Billy Lardner, 16, died after he was hit in Parley Lane in Hurn, Dorset, on 30 June 2023.

Tyrone Franklin, from Poole, was jailed for 11 years in January after his Honda Civic struck Billy at more than 80mph (129km/h) in the 40mph (64km/h) zone.

Senior Dorset coroner Rachael Griffin said while Dorset Police and BCP Council had discussed concerns about the road close to Bournemouth Airport, no action has yet been taken.

Mrs Griffin said rising passenger numbers at the airport and limited public transport and pedestrian access mean that people remain at risk.

Many people getting to the airport by foot get dropped off or picked up on Parley Lane, where there is no layby or drop off zone, she said.

There are other issues in Hurn Court Lane, where there is no public footpath and where pedestrians walk on the grass instead, she said.

"This is dangerous as it is not a stable, safe public pathway and could lead to people falling into the road or being struck by vehicles, especially as people pull suitcases along," she added.

"The airport has erected signs stating these is no pedestrian access, however, these are widely ignored."

She sent her concerns to Bournemouth Airport and BCP Council's chief executive, Graham Farrant, after issuing a Report to Prevent Future Deaths.

Franklin, who was 25 when he was sentenced, admitted causing Billy's death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without insurance.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard he had drunk three pints and two double whiskeys before he got behind the wheel.

He fled on foot and was arrested at a friend's house the day after Billy died.

Billy's brother, Drew, said Franklin had been travelling at "an absolutely insane speed" before he struck him.

His father, Andrew, said in January that a legacy fund, opened in Billy's name, had raised tens of thousands of pounds for opportunities for under-privileged children.

He also said 400 people had attended the funeral for the "most handsome, beautiful young man".

Judge Susan Evans KC told Franklin that had wrought devastation on Billy's family that was "beyond words".

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.