Coroner warns over barrier gap on M1 near Watford where two people died
A safety report says there's a risk of more deaths unless changes are made after a car left the motorway through a gap in the barrier and hit trees
Last updated 24th Jul 2025
A coroner has raised concerns about a missing section of safety barrier on the M1 southbound near junction 5 for Watford after two people died in a crash.
Darren Reilly, 55, and Tyler Cox, 18, died at the scene after the Range Rover they were travelling in left the carriageway on 1 April 2024 and collided with trees.
At their inquests this month, Area Coroner for Hertfordshire Jacques Howell said the gap in the barrier posed a future risk.
“I am concerned that there is a gap in the safety barrier at this location,” he said in a formal Prevention of Future Deaths report sent to National Highways. “This gives rise to a risk that future deaths may occur.”
The report says Mr Reilly was driving with his partner and her three children, including Tyler, when the vehicle lost control about a mile before the junction. It left the motorway through the gap in the nearside barrier and crashed into trees.
The inquests concluded both deaths were the result of a road traffic collision.
The coroner said evidence from the Roads Policing Unit confirmed safety barriers are designed to stop vehicles leaving the carriageway, especially in areas with large established trees nearby.
He added: “The witnesses from the Roads Policing Unit could not offer any explanation for why there is a gap in the safety barrier at this location.”
A National Highways spokesperson said: “Any death on our roads is one too many and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Darren Reilly and Tyler Cox following this tragic incident.
“We will review the coroner’s report and respond within the deadline.”
The body has until 12 September to respond with details of action it plans to take.