M6 boss vows to protect roadworks staff from dangerous drivers after fatal crash driver jailed
A motorways chief says his agency is working to keep highways staff safe after a 57-year-old grandfather died when his vehicle was struck by a criminal speeding in a stolen car.
Denis Balaz, 28, was being pursued by police on the M6 northbound carriageway at Stafford between Junctions 14 and 15 when the snatched Audi crashed into a parked Ford Focus in which traffic management officer Kevin Jarvis was sitting.
Balaz was jailed for nine years for causing Mr Jarvis's death by dangerous driving on February 26 last year.
Following the Slovakian's sentencing, Mr Jarvis's devastated wife Julie Jarvis called on the highways authorities to take action to better protect road workers from dangerous drivers.
In response,National Highways Midlands regional operations director Andrew Jinks said: “Kevin’s death is a devastating tragedy and our thoughts remain with his family, friends and colleagues who have lost their loved one.
“While nothing will ever compensate for their loss, the person responsible for Mr Jarvis’s death has admitted his guilt and will now serve his sentence as imposed by the court.”
“Safety is always our top priority and nobody should ever be harmed while working on our roads. We are working with partners across the highways sector to tackle dangerous driving and help to keep workers safe.”
Mr Jarvis, from Cannock, was employed by road maintenance contractor Golden Orb, when he was killed while on duty in his stationary car in a closed works lane between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent at about 5.15am.
Golden Orb managing director Stephen Egerton said: “Kevin was a much loved colleague and friend. He is, and will always be, sorely missed. Our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones.”
The grandfather-of-five had been married to Julie for 10 years as part of a blended family.
Mrs Jarvis said: "At approximately 5.15am Balaz collided with Kevin's vehicle, causing fatal injuries. It is estimated that he was travelling at speeds of 100mph when the collision occurred in the closed lane.
"Due to the substantial damage to Kevin's vehicle they could not get him out of the car to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation which was deemed appropriate as he was not breathing. With his last possible hope of survival ebbing away Kevin died at the scene."
“We would take the grandchildren on holidays and days out. Kevin did so much for the grandchildren. they adored him and he would always spoil them rotten.”
At Stafford Crown Court this month Balaz was jailed for nine years for the offence and jailed for three years and six months for wounding with intent relating an incident in Birmingham three hours before the crash.
Balaz, who had previous convictions for violence and motoring in his homeland, stabbed Gabriel Ballas the owner of the black Audi whom he knew, stole his car and was fleeing when it struck the Ford Focus. Illegal inmigrant Balaz had a string of previous convictions in Slovakia for violence and motoring offences.
