Secamb sacks staff reported for unsafe driving
Alice Clark, aged 21, died when the ambulance she was travelling in crashed into a cement lorry on the A21 near Tonbridge, Kent.
Edward Riding admitted causing her death by careless and inconsiderate driving and received a suspended prison sentence[1].
Three others were injured in the crash.
A coroner's report in 2024, external[2] said Secamb had failed to act on "complaints they had received from other members of their staff" about unsafe driving.
Secamb said it had since "strengthened its focus on driving standards" through training and staff engagement.
"Alice's death was a tragedy that continues to shape how we think and act," Watts said.
"We are determined to ensure that her legacy drives real, lasting change by supporting our staff, strengthening accountability and making it clear that speaking up and driving safely are essential to the care we provide every day."
In January Alice Clark's parents Gill and Graeme Clark collected an Elizabeth Emblem - awarded by the King to the next of kin of public servants who died in the line of duty.
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References
- ^ received a suspended prison sentence (www.bbc.co.uk)
- ^ coroner's report in 2024, external (www.judiciary.uk)
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- ^ on Sounds (www.bbc.co.uk)
- ^ [email protected], external (www.bbc.co.uk)