DORSET highways officers have ruled out acting on “urgent” calls from a coroner after a cyclist was killed on the A338 Spur Road.

Richard Middleton, assistant coroner for Dorset, raised concerns about a lack of a cycle lane or warning signs to drivers about cyclists after Christopher Gibbs died in a crash on the road.

Mr Gibbs, 30, who had been cycling home from work on the Spur Road, died at the scene of the collision from the head and chest injuries sustained when he was hit from behind by a van at around 10.15pm on October 3, 2017.

Driver Kevin Johnson, 58, of Thatcham, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Bournemouth Crown Court and was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Middleton wrote to the local authorities responsible for the Spur Road in a prevention of future deaths report. He raised concerns that there was a risk future deaths will occur unless action was taken.

“There is no cycle lane on either side of the carriageway,” said Mr Middleton.

“There are no warning signs to drivers making them aware of cyclists. Warning signs at the eastbound carriageway near the Blackwater junction and westbound carriageway soon after the Ashley Heath roundabout would prompt such consideration by drivers in what would then be an unremarkable 10-mile drive.

“Such information would hopefully be at the forefront of drivers’ minds as they commenced this 10-mile section of his/her journey.”

He added: “In my opinion urgent action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you and/or your organisation have the power to take such action.”

However, Dorset Council said it would not take up any of the suggested measures.

Mike Potter, road safety manager for Dorset Council said the local authority had replied to the coroner.

“While there are no regulations that prevent a cyclist from using dual carriageways such as the A338, it is not something that Dorset Council actively encourage,” said Mr Potter. “The road has not been identified as a key cycle route, and facilities for cyclists on or alongside the road are not being considered at this time.

“Dorset Council will not be supporting the installation of cycle warning signs as, not only would it go against the prescribed use of such signs, they could generate a false sense of security and encourage more people to choose to cycle on the A338.”