A coroner has issued a formal Prevention of Future Deaths report to National Highways following the tragic death of Freddie Slater, 26, who died in a collision on the M20 near Swanley in October 2024.

The inquest, held by Assistant Coroner Alan Blunsdon for North West Kent, concluded on 9 April 2025 and determined that a lack of physical barriers between the M20 main carriageway and the M25/M20 slip road was a key factor that could contribute to future fatalities if not addressed.

The Incident

On 16 October 2024, at approximately 6.19am, Mr Slater was driving a Smart car to work when his vehicle was involved in a collision with a Vauxhall Mokka while both travelled in lane two of the M20. The impact caused the vehicles to spin, and while the Mokka came to a stop, Freddie’s Smart car veered across the grass verge, entering the M25/M20 slip road.

Travelling at national speed limits, the Smart car collided with a BMW in lane two of the slip road before re-entering the M20 eastbound and coming to rest across lane one and the hard shoulder. Freddie died at the scene.

Coroner’s Findings

Coroner Blunsdon stated:

“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. Given both roads carry traffic at 70mph, the risk of further high-speed collisions and fatalities is real and pressing.”

While National Highways policy does not mandate barriers in such areas without structural hazards (such as bridge supports or steep gradients), the coroner emphasized that driver safety alone warrants urgent action.

He concluded:

“In my opinion, action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and National Highways has the power to take such action.”

The official report has been sent to the Chief Coroner, Kent Police, National Highways, and other relevant parties. National Highways has 56 days to respond.

National Highways Response

A spokesperson for National Highways 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.”

A Life Remembered

Freddie Slater, an HGV driver, was described by colleagues at SQS as “well-liked and well-loved,” a “happy-go-lucky kind of guy.” A fundraiser launched by his workmates raised more than its target to support his grieving family.