>> Hmmm, A Secretary of State is a minister of the crown is it not? As
>> such they can simply ignore the coroner?
The SoS is obliged to reply witihn 56 days as is Highways England. They will presumably co-ordinate their replies or reply jointly.
I'd imagine they will say how regrettable the deaths are and recite the steps taken after the review last year to improve safety. The culpability of the driver who actually hit them will also get a mention. They could also say that the deceased could/should have been more aware and stepped over the barrier or carried on to the next refuge.
I think the power of Coroners to send these Reports and demand replies is of relatively recent origin - the reforms to Coroners following the Shipman case.
I may be unduly cynical but I suspect it's a being used from time to time as a way for Coroners to be seen doing something in the face of campaigns by relatives. Mrs Mercer is very much on the case and active in pursuing government.
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