A FARMER is to be prosecuted over the death of a biker, killed when his machine collided with a milk float on Britain's most dangerous road.

Mark Smith, 40, of Lower Clough Street, Barrowford, died on April 17 after his Suzuki 249cc bike crashed on the notorious A682 near Gisburn.

It was revealed at the inquest into his death that the driver of the Nissan pick-up milk float, James Frankland, of Gisburn, is to face criminal proceedings over his involvement.

Motorists told how they watched as the victim's machine ploughed into the pick up truck as Mr Frankland attempted to turn right into the entrance of his farm.

Mr Smith, who had worked as a HGV tipper driver for Skipton-based Hargreaves Haulage for five years, was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr Frankland escaped injury.

PC Naomi Haworth told the inquest she was among the first officers on the scene and spoke with Mr Frankland.

"He said 'I just didn't see him or hear him' which was something I made a note of in my copy book," she said.

Mr Frankland, on his way back to the farm after making an egg delivery, was at the inquest but declined to add to his police statement after coroner, Michael Singleton reminded him: "You are not obliged to answer questions that may incriminate you as I'm aware criminal proceedings are to be brought against you."

Accident investigator, PC Richard Roberts said: "There can be a degree of criticism of both parties. The rider attempted to overtake two vehicles even though there was a possibility the lead vehicle could turn right.

"The driver of the pickup turned right without ensuring he was not being overtaken and that it was safe to do so."

Mr Smith's wife of 14 years, Diane, told the inquest her husband had taken his machine out for a leisurely drive on the morning of his death.

She said he had only had the 250cc Suzuki bike involved in the crash four months but had been riding motorcycles since his teens. "He had always had a motorbike. Since he was 17 he had never been without one," she said.

Derek McManus, who was directly behind the milk float at the time of the collision, told the inquest he believed the farmer had simply not seen Mr Smith attempting to overtake.

Mr McManus, on his way from Barrowford to Gisburn at the time, said: "When I saw the milk float turn right it was completely unexpected and took me totally by surprise and I shouted out in horror as it did so.

"I never saw the right hand indicator on the milk float flashing and it was a horrific impact.

"I can only assume the driver of the milk float did not check his mirrors."

A post mortem examination revealed the victim died instantly from a neck injury.

Mr Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death. After the hearing, a police spokesman confirmed that a file on the accident had been forwarded to the Crown Prosecution Service.

As well as his wife Mr Smith, leaves two sons, Liam, 12, and Jake, seven.

oAccording to the latest figures, the 24km stretch of road, which runs through Barrowford and Blacko, is consistently the most dangerous road in the country.

There were 27 fatal and serious collisions between 1998 and 2000, and the same number from 2001-2003.