Gran who died after being hit by car had a fear of crossing roadsA 78-YEAR-OLD woman with a fear of crossing roads stepped out of darkness into the path of a car, an inquest heard at Warrington last week.

Improved street lighting under a bridge on Halton Brow, Runcorn, may have made Kathleen Jones more visible, the inquest was told.

Now coroner John Hibbert is asking the highway authority to investigate improving lighting under the bridge.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded on Kathleen Jones of The Calvers, Halton Brow, who died from multiple injuries after being struck by a Fiesta car on November 19th last year.

Granddaughter Elaine Elwell of The Clough, Halton Brow, said Mrs Jones was in good health for her age but was nervous about crossing roads. She would only cross a road if she thought it was clear.

Accident Investigation Officer PC Patrick Byrne said the incident occurred during the hours of darkness and although the road was well lit, it was dark under the bridge where Mrs Jones stepped out into the path of the car.

Although the vehicle being driven by Paul Farrow, who was just leaving his girlfriend's nearby home, was driving slightly in the excess of 30mph speed limit, this did not contribute fully to the accident.

"The area beneath the bridge was in darkness making it difficult to see pedestrians beneath it," added PC Byrne.

Eye witnesses said Mrs Jones appeared to be crossing the road without looking to see if anything was coming.

She had got halfway across the road when she was struck by the car.

Mr Hibbert said he would be contacting the highway authority asking them to investigate improving lighting under the bridge.

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