Motorcyclist killed in crash on Copers Cope Road, Beckenham, named as Ernest 'Della' Miller

Mr Miller, known as “Della” to his friends, died after his motorbike collided with a car on Copers Cope Road at the junction of Bridge Road at around 8am.

The 26-year-old, who is believed to have worked at Benedict House Nursing Home just yards away, was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor from London’s Air Ambulance.

Several residents living nearby told News Shopper on Wednesday traffic calming measures need to be introduced along the road to slow vehicles down.

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A petition set up by Mr Miller’s friend, Cameron Gordon, calling for measures such as speed humps or traffic lights to be installed has received more than 1,200 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Police on scene at Copers Cope Road on Wednesday morning (May 13)

In a statement accompanying the petition, Mr Gordon said: “I have started this petition as a grieving friend of Della Miller – tragically killed in a road traffic collision on May 13.

“Della was knocked off his bike at 8am in the morning by a motorist turning across his path, leaving him no time to stop.

“He leaves behind a legacy as a truly upstanding, honourable and happy young man as well as a distraught family.”

Audrey Tarling, 82, of Hayne Road, told News Shopper Mr Miller had cared for her husband at the nursing home.

She said: "I am so very, very sad to hear of his tragic road accident. 

"I wish to pay tribute to Ernest because he was such a diligent, caring, willing, gentle and understanding carer at all times.

"His loss is a great loss to the caring profession." 

Friends gathered to lay flowers and tributes at the scene of the crash on Wednesday evening.

Kirstin Blanchard, of nearby Sellindge Close, said Copers Cope Road was very unsafe with cars often speeding and trying to cut one another up.

The 38-year-old Royal Mail worker added: "It’s the sixth accident we have counted along this road so far, this year.

“We need some sort of traffic lights to slow the traffic down and make it a little bit safer.”

Flowers laid in tribute at the scene of the crash.

Reece Harrison, aged 29, of Copers Cope Road, also raised concerns over the safety of the road.

He said: "We have the windows open in our flat and we continuously hear wheel spinning and cars beeping their horns.

"That junction is very dangerous. It was probably never designed to hold that level of traffic."

Councillor Colin Smith, executive councillor for environment said: "Naturally, our condolences and thoughts are with the relatives and friends at this time.  

"We will not join in speculation about the cause of this accident and will await the outcome of the police investigation.  

"Regardless of this outcome, it is a matter of public record that the location is already under review from a road safety perspective and we will ensure whatever measures might prove possible locally take account of all contemporary evidence and data."

POLICE UPDATE

Met Police, London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance attended the crash.

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Catford are investigating.

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.

Next of kin have been informed.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Any witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 0208 2851574.

If you would like to pay tribute to Mr Miller, email harriet.collier@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 01689 885726.