Tributes to biker who died on A225 between Shoreham and Eynsford
Additional reporting by Alan Smith
Tributes have been paid to a dad-of-two with “a heart of gold” after he lost his life in a motorbike crash on a “dangerous” stretch of road.
Motorbike fanatic Darren Simpson, 49, died at the scene on the A225 between Shoreham[1] and Lullingstone, where the speed limit is due to be lowered due to the number of accidents.
It is believed that, as he was overtaking another bike, he was clipped by a car travelling in the opposite direction[2], which caused him to be ejected into the path of a car behind.
Darren’s younger sister Hayley Howes paid tribute to her brother, who she said would be “missed forever”.
“We are all absolutely devastated,” she said. “Darren was adored by so many.
“He was a dedicated and loving father to his two sons Kane, 29, and Blake, 26, and grandfather to his granddaughter Wynter, three.
“He will be missed by his sons, granddaughter, the mother of his two children Natalie, his mother, me and countless friends and family who will forever remember him for his heart of gold and his random acts of kindness.”
She added that Darren, from Simpson Road, Sittingbourne[3], was the sort of guy who would offer help to anyone.
“He would never hesitate to help anyone in need, no matter where or when,” she said.
“Everyone will have a story to share and his memories will live on forever in those that had the honour of knowing him. He will be missed forever.
“He was adored by all that knew him and he will leave a huge gap in our lives.”
Darren, who works in Orpington, was in Shoreham with two fellow bikers after Hayley said they made a last-minute decision to get something to eat.
She said: “He took a wrong turn and ended up on Shoreham Road so there are lots of what if, buts and maybes.”
Hayley, 45, has since heard the speed limit where he died was due to be lowered from 60 to 50mph following a campaign lasting almost three years, led by villages.
Approval was given four months ago, but the new signs have not yet gone up.
She said: “Kent County Council (KCC) are yet to implement anything and we will never know if, had they acted quicker if it would have made a difference in the outcome.”
The sales director says she has requested a meeting with the highways authority to push for the speed limit reduction.
She also wants the blind bend to have chevrons painted in both directions, not just one, and no signs warning of a collision hot spot or asking drivers to be vigilant of bikes.
The most recent verified Kent Police data shows there have been four crashes that resulted in injuries on the road in the five-year period up to March 31.
In 2017 there was another fatal crash along Shoreham Road.
Hayley said: “I understand people have campaigned for some time for better signage alongside that road and, to be honest, having visited the place of the accident to lay flowers was completely shocked by how dangerous it is.
“Apart from some chevrons, there is nothing else to warn motorists to think ‘bike safety’ or even a mirror to protect the blind spot as you come towards the bridge.
“I want to stop any other family having to go through the pain I am going through right now and if I can influence anything to help reduce the risk of further fatalities then maybe just maybe some small positive may come out of such a horrendous tragedy.”
Shoreham Parish Council confirmed speed restrictions have been agreed and discussions are ongoing with KCC as to when signs will be added and road markings changed.
A KCC spokesman said it was waiting for its contractors to install them.
A spokesman said: “Road safety is a top priority for KCC which is why we are working to improve the A225 between Shoreham and Eynsford, including upgraded signage and road markings.
“We’re also working with Shoreham Parish Council on a scheme to reduce the speed limit, with discussions ongoing to determine what would be acceptable to the local community.”
Flowers, candles and photos have been building up at the side of the A225 since the accident, just before 1.45pm on Sunday, August 6.
Amongst the tributes are photos of his family and bottles of spirits and Coca Cola.
Darren was pronounced dead at the scene after his white Ducati Hypemotard – which was heading north – collided with a silver Jaguar S-Type and silver Mercedes SL500 travelling in the opposite direction.
An inquest, which opened today, heard he died at the scene from multiple traumatic injuires.
It was adjourned for a full hearing on February 21 next year, at Oakwood House in Maidstone.
Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are carrying out inquiries and are urging witnesses and anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them or upload it here[4].
If you have information that can help the investigation, call the SCIU appeals line on 01622 798538, quoting reference SM/VS/084/23, or email [email protected][5].
References
- ^ Shoreham (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ he was clipped by a car travelling in the opposite direction (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ Sittingbourne (www.kentonline.co.uk)
- ^ here (kep.uk.evidence.com)
- ^ [email protected] (www.kentonline.co.uk)