New warning signs after doctor killed crossing A326

Guy Powell was hit by two vehicles on the A326 opposite the entrance to Marchwood Priory Hospital, where he worked as a consultant psychiatrist.

Dr Powell, 68, was trying to reach a bus stop in nearby Hythe Road, which runs alongside the A326.

Now Hampshire County Council is taking action in a bid to prevent any similar tragedies in the future.

Dr Guy Powell was crossing an unlit section of the A326 outside Marchwood Priory Hospital when he was killed (Image: Newsquest.)

A spokesperson confirmed that signs warning drivers to beware of pedestrians potentially crossing the road would be installed on both sides of the A326 near the hospital.

READ MORE: Dr Guy Powell killed crossing unlit section of the A326 outside Marchwood Priory Hospital

The isolated building overlooks a 40mph section of the carriageway with no lights or pavements.

Witnesses giving evidence at an inquest into the tragedy on March 6 2023 said it was highly unusual to see someone crossing the A326 at that location.

But the hearing was also told that a well-used path led through trees opposite the hospital to the bus stop.

The nearest pedestrian crossing to Marchwood Priory Hospital is 760m away, just south of the local infant school (Image: Newsquest.)

Area coroner Rosamund Rhodes-Kemp said she was not minded to issue a Prevention of Future Deaths report. However, she would be asking the hospital how many of the staff used public transport.

The new signs, which were agreed before the inquest took place, are due to be put up next month.

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Marchwood county councillor David Harrison said: "I would expect the road safety team at Hampshire County Council to look very seriously at this matter, taking on lessons that can be learned from this tragedy.

"The A326 represents a dangerous barrier for pedestrians and cyclists to cross.

"I don’t think it's just a question of lighting. We need to be asking how people can get from one side of the road to the other safely."

Dr Guy Powell had worked at Marchwood Priory Hospital for only six weeks when he was killed on March 6 2023 (Image: Newsquest.)

Dr Powell, who was wearing dark-coloured clothing, was struck by two vehicle - one of which was being driven by James Percy.

He told the inquest: "I drive this road most days and I'm very familiar with it. I do not recall ever seeing anyone standing in the road outside the Priory.

"I only caught a glimpse [of Dr Powell] before I hit him. I had no time to react."

Accident investigator Michael Toy said the two drivers involved in the accident had no reason to expect a pedestrian to be in the road at that spot.