Devastated family want 'stronger checks' on elderly drivers after horror crash
An inquest in Caernarfon last week heard the incident was likely caused by a 'pedal misapplication' causing sudden unintended acceleration. The driver 'lost control' of his car, ploughed through a group of pedestrians and collided with a house too. He also died.
Recently retired vicar Rev Burch, of Alcester, Warwickshire, and his wife Katherine, a retired charity worker, were walking through the popular tourist town when they were struck by the car on August 28, 2024.
In a tribute, a family member said she believes the pair are 'now with God'. She said: 'Ahead of the inquest, I visited Beaumaris with my husband, our son, and my closest friend. We were reminded again of the beauty of this town our parents loved, a place that will always hold a special place in our hearts.
'The circumstances of our parents' death are tragic and deeply painful. While we trust they are now with God, the loss to us is immeasurable.
'They were struck and killed in a collision involving a high-powered automatic vehicle, driven at speed through a 20mph street. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
'It raises painful but important questions about the safety of both powerful and automatic vehicles in the hands of elderly drivers, and the urgent need for stronger checks and safeguards to prevent such tragedies in future.' Emergency services in Beaumaris after the fatal crash (Image: David Powell/North Wales Live)
She described the family's grief as 'monumental', comforted only by their faith. She thanked everyone at the accident scene, noting the trauma they too had suffered.
'Our grief is monumental,' she said. 'Yet this year has also been marked by hope and faith.
'Our parents lived with unshakeable confidence in God and in the death and resurrection of Jesus, a peace that continues to sustain us and bring comfort in the midst of our loss.
'We are deeply grateful to the emergency services and all who showed care and courage at the scene.
'We also recognise the trauma experienced by witnesses and sincerely appreciate the many expressions of sympathy and support we have received.'
At the inquest North West Wales senior coroner Kate Robertson concluded Humphrey Pickering, a retired managing director from Colwyn Bay, had likely pressed his car's accelerator by mistake before colliding with the couple.
A police collision investigator found his vehicle had gone from 25mph to 55mph after Mr Pickering pressed the accelerator three times in the five seconds before the collision in Alma Street. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Find out what's happening near you
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
EV drivers warned over 5 summer habits that unknowingly drain your battery
Summer is the perfect season for enjoying your electric vehicle (EV), with cleaner air and lower costs — but an expert has opened up about certain battery-draining driving habits to avoid With more heatwaves predicted and summer temperatures soaring across the UK, an expert has cautioned electric vehicle (EV) owners about five everyday habits that could be unnecessarily draining their batteries. While warm weather can make for ideal road trips, it can also have a surprising and sometimes even harmful impact on your EV's performance, as well as the long-term health of its battery. Stephen Day, operations director at EV charger installation specialists iHeat, said: "We tend to associate EV battery problems with cold weather. But heatwaves and summer driving habits can be just as demanding on your EV, often in ways drivers don't realise." According to the insider, the following set of common behaviours in hot weather can unknowingly chip away at your EV's battery life. It comes after mindless yobs damage 41 cars in vandalism rampage through sleepy market town. 5. Air conditioning One of the biggest culprits is the heavy use of air conditioning. On sweltering days, especially in stop-start traffic, many EV owners keep the AC running at full power. Unlike petrol vehicles, the system in an EV draws power directly from the battery. Stephen said: "Running your AC on max during every journey can noticeably reduce your range. The more power you pull for cooling, the less is left for driving." He advises cooling your car while it's still plugged in. Also, driving with eco or recirculate mode enabled can help maintain comfort without excessively draining the battery. 4. Too many short journeys Short, frequent trips are another overlooked summer habit that can make your EV less efficient. School runs, errands and quick getaways may be convenient, but they stop the battery reaching its most efficient operating range. Stephen explained: 'Your battery runs most efficiently at consistent speeds. Frequent short trips don't give the battery enough time to settle into its most efficient operating range, which means you end up using more energy overall.' Combining errands into a single journey, or choosing to walk or use public transport for very short trips, can help maintain battery efficiency. 3. Over-packing Carrying extra weight for holidays can quietly cut into your EV's range too. Roof racks, bike mounts and full boots all add weight and increase drag, therefore demanding more out of your vehicle and reducing its range. Stephen advised: "Every extra kilo your EV carries means the motor has to work harder, especially when heading to coastal towns or scenic routes with lots of hills." He recommends removing unnecessary items and travelling light whenever possible. 2. Fast charging when it's hot Fast charging in hot weather also puts EV batteries under a lot of strain. Stephen warned: "High-speed charging generates heat, and doing it when the battery's already hot from driving can lead to wear over time." He suggests avoiding rapid charging in high temperatures unless it is entirely essential, as well as allowing the battery to cool before plugging in and opting for slower overnight charging whenever possible. 1. Parking directly in the sun Direct sun exposure while parked is another factor that accelerates battery ageing. Stephen said: "Excess heat can interfere with your EV's battery management system. Over time, repeated exposure accelerates battery ageing." He recommends choosing shaded parking or using reflective sunshades. He added that that leaving a window cracked slightly open can help counteract this issue. Small additional habits, like keeping tyres properly inflated, planning routes to avoid heavy traffic and charging at night when conditions are cooler, can also protect both your EV's range and long-term performance. Stephen signed off by saying: "Summer's a great time to enjoy your EV with quieter roads, cleaner air and cheaper running costs. But staying mindful of how heat and habits affect your range means you'll get more miles, more peace of mind, and more value from your EV in the long run."
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
A55 slip road was closed due to 'motorbike crash'
A slip road on the A55 was closed due to a crash. The exit slip road for Llandudno Junction on the westbound carriageway was shut due to the crash. Traffic Wales urged drivers to avoid the area. Witnesses said the crash involved a motorbike. The incident is now clear. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. If you have some information you can contact us by following our Twitter feed @northwaleslive - the official North Wales Live account - real news in real time. Or like - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the North Wales Live. Don't forget you can also keep up to date with the latest via the free North Wales Live app. Download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Wales Online
North Wales driver who claimed electric Jaguar 'went rogue' on motorway appears in court
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A motorist who claimed his luxury electric car accelerated 'on its own' on the motorway has made his first appearance in court charged with fraud. Nathan Owen, 32, from Prestatyn, called police for assistance on March 6 last year, to report his Jaguar I-Pace vehicle was speeding out of control and the brakes were not working. Officers scrambled to intercept the vehicle, which had travelled along the eastbound carriageways of the M57, M62 and M58 motorways in Merseyside before it was eventually brought to a stop. On Wednesday, Owen attended Liverpool Magistrates' Court where he indicated not guilty pleas to dangerous driving, intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and two counts of fraud. On the fraud matters it is alleged he made a false representation to CA Auto Finance that the Jaguar was faulty and was accelerating on its own with the brakes unresponsive. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone (Image: North West Motorway Police) It is also said that he made the same claims to The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers, with the intention of causing loss to the Jaguar company or exposing it to risk of loss. Prosecutor Renee Southern told the court that it was the Crown's case that the defendant had 'persistently and dishonestly' claimed the vehicle was defective. She said Owen wanted to 'get rid' of the vehicle and thus avoid further payments totalling £4,426 to the finance company. Police made manoeuvres to box the Jaguar in, which led to motorway closures and substantial delays, the court heard. Owen, of The Grove, was released on unconditional bail to attend a further hearing at Liverpool Crown Court on September 10, when he is expected to enter formal pleas. Previously, he had reportedly said he was on his way home from work on the first day of his job as a children's support worker and feared he would die or kill someone else during the journey on March 6. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
