A driver whose vehicle struck three council employees working on grass verges in Southend-on-Sea was filmed reaching a speed of 110mph on a stretch of road with a 50mph limit, a forensic examination of his mobile phone has shown.
Forensic evidence contradicts driver's account
The footage taken from the driver's phone captured the car's speedometer close to the time of the collision. The court heard that the driver told police he had been travelling at about 70mph and was braking when he saw the three workers on lawnmowers. He told officers he believed he had "locked the brakes up" prior to making contact with them.
"The impact has been felt by the workers, their families and friends," said Cheryl Nevin, the Labour cabinet member for civic pride at Southend-on-Sea City Council.
Police made clear the discrepancy between the driver's account and the speed recorded on his phone. A serving officer involved in the case expressed hope that the verdict will help the victims and their families move forward.
Sentencing and driving penalty
The driver received a driving disqualification lasting almost three years and will be required to take an extended driving test before he can regain his licence. The court outcome reflects the seriousness with which the criminal justice system treated an incident involving council staff performing highway maintenance.
- Speed recorded on phone: 110mph
- Applicable speed limit on the road: 50mph
- Driver's statement to police: claimed he was doing about 70mph
- Driving ban: just under three years with requirement for extended test
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recorded speed | 110mph |
| Road limit | 50mph |
| Driver's claim | About 70mph, braking |
| Penalty | Disqualification (~3 years) + extended test |
The collision prompted statements from local councillors and police. Cheryl Nevin, the council's cabinet member for civic pride, said the consequences of the incident were felt across the workforce and within families. An officer involved in the prosecution described the court's decision as offering victims some measure of closure.
This case raises questions about road safety for people working at the roadside and the adequacy of safeguards on higher-speed routes. Local highway authorities and employers of roadworkers have responsibilities to ensure protective measures are in place; the incident will be watched closely by both council officials and other organisations that commission or carry out verge maintenance.
Anyone with information that might assist in related enquiries is encouraged to contact local policing teams through the usual channels.
