A coroner has told the Welsh Government that action should be taken to prevent further tragedies at the spot of the death of a doting grandmother.
Suzanne Regan died after the car she was driving, her partner Lyndsey Rees' black Suzuki SX4, collided with what was described as a "bullnose armco" barrier on an offslip lane at junction 44 for Llansamlet at around 5am on Saturday, January 16.
The 51-year-old, from Neath, drove over the barrier causing her vehicle to tip and roll onto its roof in an anti-clockwise direction before it came to a stop. She tragically could not be saved with paramedics pronouncing her dead at the scene.
Acting senior coroner for Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, Colin Phillips, who recorded a conclusion of road traffic accident due to driver error at Ms Regan's inquest, has now compiled a report to prevent future deaths and sent it to the Welsh Government and South Wales Trunk Road Agent.
Mr Phillips wrote: "During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. The failure to replace these old style barriers runs the risk of further deaths and serious injuries occurring. My understanding is that modern replacements are available.
"In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and or your organisation have the power to take such action."
The authority is now duty bound to respond to the report by September 10, and its response must contain details of action taken, or the proposed action to be taken, and set out a timetable for action, otherwise it must explain why no action is proposed.
The inquest heard how the road had been poorly illuminated, and Mr Phillips drew a comparison in his report to a death with similarities which was subject to an inquest in July 2019, with a vehicle overturning when it came into contact with the same safety barrier.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “We are reviewing the coroner’s report and will take any actions identified as improving safety on this stretch of road.”
It is understood that a study is currently underway to address safety issues at the location, including barrier terminals.
In a statement that was given following Ms Regan's death, her daughter Amy Preddy said: “My mum was a very doting and loving mother and also grandmother to little baby Ivy-Rose, who was the apple of her eye. I am so glad my mum had the opportunity to meet my daughter Ivy-Rose and those are memories I will treasure forever.
“My heart is totally shattered and I can’t imagine life without her. I give you my promise mum that I will always look after Ivy-Rose and give her enough love from both of us. My mum was a massive support for me and over these past few months she has barely left my side and has continued to love and support me and by doing so has made me a better person that I am today.
“I will love you forever mum. You are my best friend and I really don’t know how I am going to carry on without you but I have to carry on for little baby Ivy-Rose.”
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