Transport Insights

Last week, as Barry O’Sullivan was convicted of causing death by careless driving on a non operational smart motorway, the Telegraph reported:

A road safety supervisor who struck and killed a pedestrian while speeding at almost twice the limit has avoided jail.

Martin Hayward was driving his Audi A4 at up to 56 mph in a 30 mph zone in Southampton when Clare Munn stepped out onto a crossing.

The National Highways road safety supervisor was said to be “flying” down the road and had already overtaken several cars before colliding with Ms Munn at between 40 and 50 mph.

Yes, Hayward worked for National Highways and safety is its highest priority. It has not responded to my enquiry as to whether he still works for them.

Pc Rebecca Starks of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said: “Speed kills, and Clare would not have died if the defendant was driving at the speed limit.”

The Telegraph carries a picture of Mr Hayward during his trial last month looking quite cheerful.

He was said by his barrister to be “remorseful”, but he was convicted after pleading not guilty.