A coroner has called for action to improve safety on a busy ring road following the death of a pedestrian.

Charlotte Saunders was hit by a lorry while attempting to cross Christchurch Way in Stone in August 2024, and suffered a severe brain injury.

The 52-year-old died in January of this year after her condition deteriorated.

Following an inquest into Ms Saunders' death, Lindsey Tonks, assistant coroner for Staffordshire, issued a prevention of future deaths report, raising concerns over road safety at the location of the collision.

The inquest heard that Ms Saunders had been walking from the Morrisons car park to the town centre, crossing Christchurch Way at a point where there are no pedestrian guardrails.

While there are two light-controlled crossings around 100m away from this location, Ms Tonks noted in her report that it is common for pedestrians to take the more direct route across the road.

In its response to the report, Staffordshire County Council said that it would consider potential safety improvements at the location as part of a wider review into active travel in the area.

Ms Tonks believes there is a risk of future deaths due to there being a supermarket car park and an alleyway leading to the town centre on either side of a busy ring road, with no guardrails to stop people crossing.

In her report she states: "Police inquiries revealed that Mrs Saunders had walked from the car park of Morrisons and had been attempting to cross the furthest lane carriageway, heading towards the town centre, at the time that she was struck.

"The police report stated that this route 'is often used by pedestrians to cross over in to the town, rather than walking to one of the crossings'.

"A police officer who gave evidence also described having visited the site for the purposes of his investigation and having observed at least 10 pedestrians crossing at the same location during a period of no more than thirty minutes.

"I have concern that there is a risk of future deaths as a result of the current layout of this location."

According to the county council, there have been no other personal injury collisions recorded at the location on Christchurch Way since 2020.

The council has considered installing additional guardrails to encourage people to use the formal crossing points, but there were concerns that this could reduce visibility for drivers, and pedestrians may still cross the road at the nearby bus stop.

In its response to the report, the council says that a planned scheme looking at active travel in Stone will now be extended to include the location in question.

Cllr Anthony Screen, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Our thoughts remain with Charlotte's family following this tragic incident.

"Road safety is a key priority for the county council and we work closely with partners and residents to help prioritise schemes which will help make areas safer for everyone.

"We do carry out regular reviews of our road network and are considering some improvements at a number of locations in Stone, which will include at Christchurch Way.

"Any changes would have to be prioritised against other priorities in the area but could help to encourage safer pedestrian crossing routes at this location."

The Christchurch Way review will consider current national guidance on pedestrian guardrails and explore 'alternative measures' for encouraging people to use the formal crossing routes.