A MOTORIST who was killed after colliding with a pedestrian and veering off the road was driving 'at speed', an inquest opening has heard.

Thomas Nelson, from Cholsey, near Wallingford, died on Friday, August 10 on the A41 near Bicester, close to the Wendlebury interchange linking with the A34 and M40.

Oxford Coroner's Court heard today how the 29-year-old was driving southbound at about 5.30pm when he hit a pedestrian and careered off the road.

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter said: "He was driving his car at speed on the A41 when he appeared to lose control of his vehicle and hit a tree and a fence."

The victim, who was born in Oxford and worked as a chef, received CPR from paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene at 5.55pm.

Mr Salter confirmed the initial post-mortem found the cause of death to be multiple injuries.

The pedestrian, a man in his 30s, sustained non-life threatening injuries in the incident.

The collision fuelled concerns about the potential dangers of the A41, with bus shelters located at the side of the 70mph road in both directions.

The shelters are about half a mile from the interchange and county councillor Ian Corkin, whose division covers Wendlebury, previously said passengers had to stand in 'close proximity' to cars travelling at a high speed.

Mr Corkin said: "It's a pretty hairy experience when you get that close to the traffic - you really do feel very vulnerable."

A full inquest will be held on Wednesday, January 30 at Oxford Coroner’s Court.