Biker dies at known accident black spot in Climping

The 48-year-old, who has been named locally as Robert Giacopazzi, was riding his Yamaha bike when he collided with a red Vauxhall Corsa on Sunday afternoon (August 25).

The collision happened just before 2pm in Crookthorn Lane, at the junction with Yapton Road.

Ambulance paramedics were joined by an air ambulance team, but were unable to save the man who died at the scene.

The road was closed for five hours while rescue, recovery and investigation work took place.

Climping Parish Council’s chairman Terry Hockley described the junction as ‘a death trap’ and said this tragedy could have been avoided.

“I don’t like to speak from emotion without knowing the full facts,” said Cllr Hockley. “But that stretch of road is certainly an accident black spot. People come speeding along the A259 and you simply can’t see from the Yapton Road junction.

“I never turn right from it because you’re taking your life in your own hands when you do so. It’s a very dangerous stretch of road.”

Cllr Hockley said the parish council had been appealing to West Sussex County Council for work to be undertaken to improve the safety of the road, along with a nearby trouble spot, at the junction of Horsemere Green Lane and Church Lane.

A reduced speed limit is set to be introduced along Yapton Road later this year.

“We have been hounding the county council as hard as we can to make them take notice of the problem,” added Cllr Hockley.

Tributes have since been made on the Facebook.

Carol Berry wrote: “R.I.P Robert Giacopazzi thinking of you and all your family and friends xxx.”

Maggie Harris said: “You never know what life has in store for you or what is around the corner live life to the full. RIP Robert Giacopazzi you were a top bloke.”

The driver of the Corsa, a 53-year-old woman from Bognor, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. She has been bailed until October 26.

Witnesses can call police on 101 quoting Op Monroe or email [email protected]