Builders merchant fined £2m after loose timber causes death of driver

A Northamptonshire-based builders merchant has been fined £2m after loose timber fell from one of its lorries, causing the death of a passing driver.

Jack Stevens, 28, was driving his BMW on the A26 in Newhaven in May 2020 when a plank of wood from a Travis Perkins lorry crashed through his windscreen.

Travis Perkins Trading Company pleaded guilty to three health and safety violations and was sentenced at Hove Crown Court last Thursday.

Despite having a corporate document stating “we always properly secure loads before travel” the timber was not properly secured; it was held together by just one strap instead of being banded as required.

The court also heard about several previous incidents where building materials had fallen from the company’s lorries, including one in April 2019 when steel bars struck another vehicle.

Travis Perkins was ordered to pay £85,000 in costs.

Cllr Christine Robinson, deputy leader and cabinet member for community wellbeing at Lewes District Council said:”While we welcome the substantial fine imposed today, it remains an absolute tragedy that Mr Stevens, a much-loved father-of-three, died in this entirely preventable case. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.

“I hope our prosecution sends a strong message to businesses that it is of the utmost importance they adhere to health and safety legislation to ensure that something like this never happens again. I am grateful to our officers for their rigorous investigation and professionalism in pursuing this prosecution over a lengthy period, working collaboratively with the Health and Safety Executive.”