Hi-vis jackets for Chichester homeless after two road fatalities

Local Chichester businesses have joined forces provide high-visibility jackets for the homeless of Chichester after two road fatalities in 4 days this December. 

The two men who died this December in seperate collisions along the same stretch of the A27 have now been named by police. Sigitas Juozapaitis, a 54 year old Lithuanian national died after he was in a collision with a white Ford Transit, driven by a 34 year old man from Gosport, near the Whyke roundabout on 2 December.

Just three days later, along the same A27 stretch between the Whyke and Stockbridge roundabouts Kenneth Sherwood, a 39 year old man was killed when he collided with a green Mazda MX5, driven by a 48 year old man from Havant. 

Both men were homeless at the time of their deaths which has resulted in the local businesses teaming up to provide hi-vis jackets for the winter months with longer nights. Police have also urged drivers to drive especially carefully through that particular stretch of the A27 after the two fatal and tragic collisions. 

Inspector Kris Ottery from the neighbourhood response team said: "We have talked to the homeless community about the dangers of crossing the main A27 road between the Whyke and Stockbridge roundabouts. Thanks to the generosity of Covers, Halfords, Homebase, Jewsons and Tesco, we have been able to provide fluorescent jackets that will make a big difference to them being seen by drivers.

"Additionally, I would urge motorists using roads anywhere in the district at this time of year to pay especial attention to other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists, who themselves should take every possible precaution to make sure that they are highly visible at all times."