The inquest into the death of a 90-year-old man has prompted calls for change on a stretch of road between Harrogate and Killinghall.

Lucjan Stefan Wilk died at Leeds General Infirmary on November 7, 2023, after a Ford Fiesta collided with him on the A61 the day prior.

His inquest was held at Northallerton Coroners Court on Monday (March 24), where it was heard Mr Wilk died from serious injuries to his head, chest and arms.

You can read a full report on the inquest here.

However, Mr Wilk’s death has sparked calls to improve road safety measures on the A61 – particularly those made by his daughter.

Paulina Burton, who can see the spot where her father was killed from her kitchen window, has urged North Yorkshire Council to reduce the speed limit on the road to 30mph.

It is currently set at 40mph, but is effectively sandwiched between two other 30mph zones – the A61 Ripon Road and the A61 through Killinghall.

Ms Burton previously told the Stray Ferret the road is “just horrendous” and she has seen people “flying” down it when travelling between Harrogate and Killinghall.

Speaking to the Stray Ferret after her father’s inquest, she reiterated her concerns over the speed limit.

Ms Burton also feels the northbound bus stop – for people travelling towards Killinghall – is in a totally unsuitable location.

“It should never have been there”, she said, adding whoever decided to install the bus stop there “made a bad judgement”. 

An officer at North Yorkshire Council told the inquest recommendations have been made to relocate the northbound bus stop.

The court heard work to relocate it was due to start in a few weeks’ time.

However, when Ms Burton returned home from Northallerton, she noticed work appeared to be underway near the Knox Mill Lane junction.

It has not been confirmed if this work is in relation to the bus stop relocation, but Ms Burton told the Stray Ferret she feels it has taken her father’s death for any changes to be made.

The council officer also told the court the authority proposes to remove the southbound bus stop entirely, meaning it won’t be replaced, and passengers will be asked to get off at another stop.

A named police officer, who gave evidence at the inquest, even told the court he believes the stretch of road should remain a 30mph zone all the way along.

“I don’t believe the bus stop is best placed where it is currently”, the officer added.

The Stray Ferret has contacted North Yorkshire Council about Ms Burton’s concerns.

We asked if the authority has any plans to reduce the speed limit and if the work on the A61 is part of the bus stop relocation.