A road safety supervisor has gone on trial accused of killing a pedestrian after driving at nearly double the speed limit, a court has been told.
The Fatal Collision on Bitterne Road West
Martin Hayward, 55, was allegedly travelling as fast as 56mph in a 30mph zone when his vehicle struck Clare Munn on a crossing. The incident occurred on the evening of May 2, 2022, on Bitterne Road West in Southampton.
Southampton Crown Court heard that Hayward, who is charged with causing death by careless driving, was said to be 'flying' down the road prior to the collision. He overtook several vehicles before hitting Ms Munn, who was 45 years old.
The force of the impact carried the pedestrian approximately 136 feet on the bonnet of Hayward's car. Tragically, Ms Munn was killed instantly at the scene.
Prosecution Details Excessive Speed
Prosecutor Rebecca Fairbairn outlined the case against the defendant. A police collision expert estimated that Hayward was still moving at between 40 to 50mph at the moment of impact.
"The defendant was driving his vehicle along that road considerably in excess of the speed limit of 30mph," Ms Fairbairn told the court. "Ms Munn was a pedestrian, which is the most vulnerable type of road user. Mr Hayward was driving too fast to be able to stop."
The prosecutor highlighted the lethal consequences of such speed, noting that the average rate of death is 75 per cent when a pedestrian is hit at 50mph.
Defendant's Background and Denial
Martin Hayward, from Southampton, had a long history connected to the city's roads. He worked as a taxi driver there for 17 years before taking up his role as a road safety supervisor.
He has denied the charge of causing death by careless driving. During police interviews, Hayward maintained he was driving at the 30mph limit, claiming he had checked his speedometer and the road conditions.
This account was contradicted by witness testimony. One person walking near the bridge said the car was "flying over 30mph".
The prosecution argues that a competent and careful driver adheres to the speed limit and remains alert to hazards, a standard they claim Hayward fell below. The trial continues.
