How a split-second mistake shut the A27 for 18 hours

A lorry driver has been sentenced after crashing into a parked HGV on the A27 near Shoreham, forcing the busy route to close for 18 hours and causing widespread disruption across Sussex. Raymond Cox, 63, from Erith, was driving a heavy goods vehicle on the A27 near the Holmbush Centre in July 2025 when his […]

A lorry driver has been sentenced after crashing into a parked HGV on the A27 near Shoreham, forcing the busy route to close for 18 hours and causing widespread disruption across Sussex.

Raymond Cox, 63, from Erith, was driving a heavy goods vehicle on the A27 near the Holmbush Centre in July 2025 when his lorry veered across lanes and struck a stationary HGV that was parked during a scheduled break.

The driver of the parked vehicle was not injured. Cox suffered only minor injuries.

Despite no serious injuries, the collision caused extensive damage, leading to the A27 westbound being shut for around 18 hours while recovery and resurfacing work took place. Traffic was diverted onto surrounding roads, resulting in long delays across the county.

Cox appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on January 20, where he pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention. He was given nine penalty points and ordered to pay £1,880 in fines and court costs.

PC Gregory, from the Roads Policing Unit, said the crash was avoidable and showed how a momentary lapse in concentration can have major consequences on one of Sussex’s busiest roads.