This report is being sent to Department for Transport
THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 1. Secretary of State for Transport
1.
CORONER I am Miss Karen Boyle, Assistant Coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
2.
CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013
3.
INVESTIGATION and INQUEST On 25 June 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Scott Maxwell Henry CATTON aged 53 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13 March 2026. conclusion of the inquest was that: On 5 June 2025 Scott Maxwell Henry Catton was travelling an electric scooter along Ridgeway, Nottingham, when a door of a parked vehicle, opened towards the road and despite taking evasive action, he was unable to avoid the door and his left arm made contact with the door frame causing him to spin and fall onto the road surface, causing a serious head injury. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. He received first aid treatment and was transferred to QMC Hospital but died as a result of the head injury on 7 June 2025.
4.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH On 25 June 2025 I commenced an investigation into the death of Scott Maxwell Henry CATTON aged 53. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13 March 2026. The conclusion of the inquest was that: On 5 June Scott Maxwell Henry Catton was travelling an electric scooter along Ridgeway, Nottingham, when a door of a parked vehicle, opened towards the road and despite taking evasive action, he was unable to avoid the door and his left arm made contact with the door frame causing him to spin and fall onto the road surface, causing a serious head injury. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. He received first aid treatment and was transferred to QMC Hospital but died as a result of the head injury on 7 June 2025.
5.
CORONER’S CONCERNS During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken. In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: There is no requirement that riders of electric scooters wear helmets. Due to the expectation of their use on the roads, and their vulnerability, there is a risk of death to riders of electric scooters and bicycles not wearing protective headwear who are involved in collisions, even at lower speeds. I am not reassured that necessary actions to address these serious issues identified are in place
6.
ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.
7.
YOUR RESPONSE You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, namely by May 12, 2026. I, the coroner, may extend the period. Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed.
8.
COPIES and PUBLICATION I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested Persons 1. [REDACTED] 2.Mr Catton’s Family I am also under a duty to send a copy of your response to the Chief Coroner and all interested persons who in my opinion should receive it. I may also send a copy of your response to any person who I believe may find it useful or of interest. The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner.
9.
Dated: March 17, 2026 Miss Karen Boyle Assistant Coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
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