Speed not a factor in accident

The Serious Crash Report will be considered by Auckland Coroner Katharine Greig as part of the coroner's investigation into the cause of Mr Hughes' death. Photo / File

Police have acknowledged in a Serious Crash Report that speed was not a factor in a fatal accident on Murray Rd, in the Kaipara.

On January 7 the Northern Advocate reported that motorcyclist Karlton Hughes had died after a collision on Murray Rd, 5km north of Tangowahine Valley Road.

The same story noted that police were vowing to maintain a crackdown on speeding motorists in January.

A story published in the Northern Advocate on April 17 also reported Northland police concerns that speed was a common factor in four deaths involving motorcyclists in 2015.

The Northern Advocate has since been advised that a police investigation into Mr Hughes' accident found that speed was not a factor in his collision.

The investigation recommends that safety changes be made to the area, and has also noted that a similar fatal accident occurred in the same area in 2012.

The Northern Advocate apologises to the family and friends of Mr Hughes for any distress in regards to the inference that the January 7 story gave, that speed was a factor in his crash.

The outcome of the police investigation also meant that comments published in the April 17 story were inaccurate, and we apologise for any further confusion this has created over the cause of Mr Hughes' accident.

The Serious Crash Report will be considered by Auckland Coroner Katharine Greig as part of the coroner's investigation into the cause of Mr Hughes' death.