A NEW Forest man who died in a single vehicle collision on the A35 at Christchurch last year was exceeding the speed limit, an inquest heard.

Richard James Turner, 35, from Brockenhurst, who worked in the bakery at Sainsbury’s in Lyndhurst Road, died when his red Mini Cooper collided with the verge on the opposite side of the road at Roeshot Hill on July 25.

It is not clear what led Mr Turner, who lived with his parents in Brockenhurst, to swerve across the opposite carriageway, but Constable John Hayward, who investigated the scene and examined the road markings following the collision, said Mr Turner would have been travelling at least 71mph.

The speed limit on the road is 60mph.

Numerous witnesses at the inquest at Stafford Road in Bournemouth spoke about seeing the car travelling “at speed” along the road from Christchurch towards Southampton and then losing control.

One witness, Colin Mallanain from New Milton, said he saw a white Transit van suddenly indicate and pull out in front of the Mini causing Mr Turner to brake so hard “it caused the front of the vehicle to dip down and swerved to avoid the Transit.”

Despite attempts to trace the Transit van, it has never been found.

Mr Turner’s father, Phillip said his son was an “experienced” driver and he knew the car well. He said he had severe doubts that the vehicle could possibly reach that sort of speed in the time available.

East Dorset District Coroner Sheriff Payne recorded a verdict of death as a result of an accident on the road.