A man who recorded himself driving at excessive speed before losing control and colliding with three council workers on ride-on lawnmowers in Southend has been jailed.
Crash on Royal Artillery Way
Kurtis Walters, 26, admitted two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving after the single-vehicle collision on Royal Artillery Way in April 2024. The road carries a 50mph speed limit. A forensic examination of Walters’s mobile phone revealed footage showing the Audi A3's speedometer reaching 110mph in the moments before the impact.
The three council employees were travelling in convoy on ride-on lawnmowers in lane one of the dual carriageway when the car came round a corner and struck them. Two of the men were described by police as seriously injured and have been permanently affected by their injuries.
Police and court response
At Basildon Crown Court Walters was jailed for 20 months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and 10 months and must pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence.
"No sentence can undo the harm that has been caused, but we hope this outcome provides the victims with a sense of justice and allows them to move forward following years of pain, recovery, and uncertainty."
The comment above was made by PC Nicole Plom, who set out the police view that the sentence should serve as a reminder of the consequences of dangerous driving for victims and their families.
Impact on the local council workforce
Councillor Cheryl Nevin, representing Southend-on-Sea City Council, emphasised the personal toll on the parks team and their colleagues. The incident occurred while the men were carrying out routine duties for the council.
- Number of injured council workers: three
- Serious injuries with lasting effects: two
- Vehicle speed on video: 110mph
- Court sentence: 20 months’ imprisonment
Practical implications
The court outcome highlights several practical points for local residents and motorists: the dangers of excessive speed on urban dual carriageways, the vulnerability of roadside workers, and the legal consequences of dangerous driving. For council staff and other employers, the case underlines the potential need for risk assessments and protective measures when workers are operating machinery near traffic.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Kurtis Walters, 26 |
| Sentence | 20 months' imprisonment |
| Driving disqualification | 2 years 10 months; extended test required |
The incident remains a poignant reminder to the Southend community of the real-world consequences when drivers exceed speed limits and lose control. Authorities and council representatives have said they will continue to support the victims as they manage long-term recovery.
