Former UCL publishing professor Stevenson dies after car accident

Iain Stevenson, former professor of publishing at University College London (UCL), has died after being hit by a car in Bishops Stortford.

The Herfordshire Mercury has reported that Stevenson, 66, was hit by a vehicle as he walked down London Road, opposite Aldi supermarket in the town at around 7.37pm on Wednesday 1st March. He was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge but died from his injuries.

Stevenson had been professor of publishing at University College London, establishing the institution as one of the leading in the UK teaching contemporary publishing practice at masters level, until he retired in 2015.

He authored several books, and published Book Makers: British Publishing in the Twentieth Century (British Library Publishing) in 2010.

Stevenson had previously worked for publishers Longman, Macmillan, Wiley and the Stationery Office.

Hertfordshire Police have launched an appeal for information following the incident.

Sergeant Richard Cruse, from the forensic collision investigation unit, said: "I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed what happened to please come forward as a matter of urgency as you may have crucial information that could assist the investigation.

"I'd also like to hear from anyone who saw the vehicle involved – a grey Volkswagen Touran – or the pedestrian shortly before the collision."