A widow has called for the road where her husband died to be improved after a van driver was convicted of causing his death.

Nick Awcock, 47, died trying to avoid a van being driven on the wrong side of London Road in Hickstead.

Delivery driver Ian Fleig thought he was on a dual carriageway running alongside the main A23 when the crash happened in October last year.

Mr Awcock died instantly from head injuries when he came off his Suzuki GSF 600 as he braked and swerved in an attempt to miss the van.

The next day more than 60 workmates and residents blocked the road in a protest over his death and to highlight that it is a two-way road and not a dual carriageway.

Fleig was yesterday found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving after a trial at Brighton Crown Court.

The 47-year-old, of Lingfield Way, Worth, near Horsham, was warned he faces being sent to prison when he is sentenced on January 16.

The jury was told there are no traffic signs at the start of the stretch of road to show it it is used by two-way traffic.

The first indication is two directional arrows painted on each lane 110m from the start of that stretch of the road.

Fleig had missed his turning off the A23 and doubled back as he tried to get back to his depot in Billingshurst.

Sharon Awcock, 39, who was married to Mr Awcock for 16 years, broke down in tears as the jury delivered its verdict.

After the verdict she told how her husband was a great family man who was proud of his two sons Nicolas and Adam.

She said: “Nick spent a great deal of time with his kids and shared the same interests and sports.

“He was a unique person who will sorely be missed for the character he was.

“We recognise Ian Fleig did not intend to hurt anyone that day but it is quite apparent that his driving was dangerous.

“For that reason, and that reason only, Nick lost his life.

“We as a family urge motorists to be more vigilant when it comes to looking out for motorcyclists.

“We feel that improvements should be made to the road to avoid yet another tragedy.”

The Highways Agency said last night it is considering extra safety measures at the scene of the crash.

A spokesman said: “The current road markings meet the required standards but we are considering a number of additional safety measures at this junction.”