A coroner has ruled that Highways England should be investigated over possible corporate manslaughter charges relating to a woman’s death on a smart motorway in South Yorkshire.

62 year old Nargis Begum from Sheffield died on the M1 after her car broke down on a stretch with no hard shoulder and her car was hit which then hit her.

South Yorkshire Coroner Nicola Mundy said the government-owned company should be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider if manslaughter charges are appropriate.

A Highways England spokesperson told Highways News, “Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Mrs Begum, and all those affected by this tragic incident.

“Although we do not believe Highways England has committed any offence we will of course cooperate fully in any investigation. Every road death is a tragic loss of life and we are determined to do all we can to make our roads as safe as possible.”

(File picture – South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner)