A CORONER will ask highways experts to investigate traffic lights at a Chester junction which claimed the life of a motorcyclist.

Clifton Rosetta Johnson, known as Cliff, died in July last year after he was involved in a collision.

He had been riding his Honda CBR motorcycle along Sealand Road at around 4.30pm when he collided with a blue Ford Focus turning right into Bumpers Lane.

Yesterday, deputy coroner for Cheshire Dr Janet Napier described the death as a ‘terrible tragedy’ and said she felt the traffic lights at the junction should be looked at again.

Dr Napier will write to the Highways Agency asking them to look into how this set of lights is phased to avoid future incidents.

Mr Johnson’s partner Linda Garske told the Warrington inquest how the 51-year-old, from Connah’s Quay, was an experienced biker and was on his way home from his job at Kwik Fit when the accident happened.

David Devereux, who was driving the car, described how he saw the motorcycle’s flashing headlights moments before the crash.

He added: “There was a green filter arrow to turn right. I was moving slowly and I broke as soon as I saw him but I don’t think there was anything I could have done.”

Off-duty police officer Matthew Williams, who was waiting at the lights, said: “I heard a noise and as I turned around I saw the motorbike shooting past. I saw him impact with the car.”

Both vehicles were later examined but no faults were found.

Cheshire Police collision investigator Kevin Sweeney said the bike left a 7.3m long tyre mark which started 15.2m beyond the stop line.

But despite his efforts to avoid the crash, Mr Johnson hit the car and was thrown from his bike into a pedestrian guard rail.

He said: “The rear tyre left the ground under braking, showing a degree of skill by the motorcyclist, and evidence shows he was braking long before the tyre mark. His speed when he crossed the stop line was estimated at between 51-65mph.

“It is an unusual set of circumstances. It is possible that both lights were green due to the lights phasing.

“With one vehicle travelling slowly and the other quickly, it is unlikely the driver of the car had time to react.”

Dr Napier recorded a verdict that Mr Johnson died of multiple injuries due to a road traffic collision.