A coroner has criticised National Highways for failing to install physical barriers after the fatal crash that killed Freddie Slater, 26. The young HGV driver died in a tragic collision on the M20 near Swanley in October 2024.
Assistant Coroner Alan Blunsdon, who presided over the inquest in North West Kent, issued a formal Prevention of Future Deaths report on 9 April 2025. He warned that the absence of barriers between the M20’s main carriageway and the M25/M20 slip road poses a “real and pressing” danger, increasing the risk of high-speed collisions and fatalities.
How It Happened
On 16 October 2024 at 6:19am, Freddie was driving his Smart car to work when it collided with a Vauxhall Mokka in lane two of the M20. The impact caused both vehicles to spin. While the Mokka came to a stop, Freddie’s Smart car veered over the grass verge onto the adjacent M25/M20 slip road.
Travelling at the 70mph speed limit, the Smart then crashed into a BMW before flipping back onto the M20 eastbound, coming to rest across a lane and the hard shoulder. Tragically, Freddie died instantly at the scene.
Coroner Blasts ‘Fatal Flaw’
“The grass verge separating these roads lacks any physical barriers. There is nothing to prevent an out-of-control vehicle from crossing into oncoming traffic on the parallel slip road,” said Blunsdon. “Given both roads carry traffic at 70mph, the risk of further collisions and fatalities is real and pressing.”
Current National Highways policy does not require barriers in this location, citing the absence of structural hazards. However, the coroner insists that driver safety demands urgent action.
“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and National Highways has the power to take such action,” he added.
The report has been sent to the Chief Coroner, Kent Police, National Highways, and other key parties. National Highways must respond within 56 days.
National Highways Responds to Report
A National Highways spokesperson told KentLive: “Any death on our roads is one too many. Our thoughts are with Freddie Slater’s family and friends following this tragic incident. We will review the coroner’s report and respond within the required timeframe.”
Remembering Freddie Slater
Freddie, a well-liked and “happy-go-lucky” HGV driver at SQS, left a deep impression on colleagues and friends. His workmates launched a fundraiser for his grieving family, surpassing their target in a heartfelt tribute to the beloved young man.
Originally published by UKNIP.
