Does anyone else notice how stories like this get obfuscated by all involved?
From the BBC News website:
A spokesman for the council said: "Firstly, we'd like to say we are sorry to hear about this tragic accident and our thoughts are with family and friends at this difficult time.
Translation: Oops, oh well we filled in the pothole eventually!
"The police are investigating the recent fatal road traffic collision"
Translation: they know what happened but they aren't telling.
"Any recommendations made by the coroner at a subsequent inquest concerning the highway will, of course, be given serious consideration by Wiltshire Council."
Serious consideration? Do you have to be God before they will actually act on your recommendation?
"It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time."
If not now, then when? 2110?
"A statement from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers said: "The exact circumstances of the road traffic accident are not known and are subject to ongoing investigation."
Translation: We're never going to talk about the general circumstances either.
I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that in the UK somebody has to die first before a council will spend money on putting up a new sign or carrying out a repair.
There is a junction near where I live that has gotten three or four people killed in separate accidents but the council only put up a "slow down" sign after death number 3 and the approach from the side road onto the main road is still a 50mph limit - lethal in fog because it's a short stretch of road so by the time you have accelerated up to 50 you have already reached the junction.