Coroner calls for action after motorcyclist death

A coroner has expressed concerns that lorries do not have to be fitted with reversing cameras after a motorcyclist was killed when a lorry backed over him.

Alan Baker, 67, suffered catastrophic injuries after being run over when he stopped on Muck Lane in Rackheath, near Norwich, an inquest concluded.

Currently, there is no legislation requiring light goods vehicles (LGVs) to be equipped with reversing cameras.

Johanna Thompson, area coroner for Norfolk, has written to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) saying this needs to change to prevent future deaths.

Mr Baker was riding his red Triumph motorcycle along the rural road at about 12:40 BST on 7 August 2024 when the lorry in front of him stopped to allow another vehicle to pass.

Whilst reversing, the white Scania R540 lorry ran over Mr Baker, causing catastrophic injuries.

He was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where he died more than two weeks later.

After an inquest on 16 December, Ms Thompson wrote a report to highlight issues that could help avoid future fatalities.

In the prevention of future deaths report, she said she had concerns about the lack of requirement for LGVs to have the cameras.

Copies of the report have been sent to the Chief Coroner, Norfolk Constabulary and the Department for Transport.

The DVSA has until 17 February 2026 to respond to the concerns raised.

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