Investigation into how Thames Valley Police progressed a report of fitness to drive in the days before a triple fatal collision on the M40

6 Dec 2018 12:04 PM

We are carrying out an investigation into how a report of concerns regarding a driver’s ability was handled by police five days before a triple fatal collision on the M40. 

Thames Valley Police (TVP) referred the matter to us following a collision on the M40 in south Oxfordshire on Monday, 15 October, in which John Norton, Olive Howard and Stuart Richards died.

On Wednesday, 10 October, TVP received a report of a damage only collision in High Wycombe in which a Subaru struck a parked car. The owner of the parked car was sitting in his vehicle at the time and alerted the Subaru driver to the incident.

The drivers exchanged details and the owner of the parked car reported the incident to the police via 999 during which he was advised to submit a report online, which he did the same day. In the report he raised concerns over the Subaru driver’s fitness to drive and the safety of other road users as a result.

It is believed that the driver of the Subaru on 10 October was Mr Norton.

Our investigation is examining the actions taken by TVP following the concerns raised and whether these actions were in accordance with local and national policies and procedures.

Regional Director Sarah Green yesterday said:

“Clearly the events on the M40 motorway are terribly tragic and the families of those who died and all of those affected have my deepest sympathies.

“We are examining whether the response from Thames Valley Police adhered to relevant guidelines and policies when concerns were raised over the driver’s abilities five days ahead of the fatal collision. 

“We are also looking to see whether there are any areas for potential amendments to policies and practices which may assist in reducing the likelihood of something this devastating occurring again.”