TWO road workers were killed when an HGV ploughed into them without even braking, a court heard.

John Corkin, 29, and Kevin Barker, 40, died in the accident after a juggernaut hit the back of their flat bed maintenance truck as they laid out cones for forthcoming roadworks.

A court heard how Asda lorry driver Brian Smith, 57, hit the track without slowing, swerving or braking.

The accident happened as the three-man crew were marking out roadworks on the northbound carriageway of the A1 motorway near Catterick, North Yorkshire.

The truck was parked half on the verge and half in the slow lane of the motorway when the crash happened just before 1am on August 9, 2000.

Mr Smith of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, has been charged with causing the deaths of both men by dangerous driving.

Teesside Crown Court was told that the motorway maintenance truck had four flashing lights although one was not working as well as being painted bright yellow with a flashing orange beacon on top.

Michael O'Neil, prosecuting, said: "The essence of the crown's case is that, even with one defective flashing bulb, it is hard to imagine a more strikingly obvious vehicle when you see it on the motorway at night, all flashing and lit up."

A jury was told that Mr Smith had left his depot three hours before the accident but that electronic equipment in his lorry showed he had not braked from his speed of 56mph before the accident.

Mr O'Neil added: "Prior to the collision there was no reduction in the speed whatsoever nor any braking.

"At that speed it would have travelled the 700 metres of straight road during which the yellow lorry would have been entirely visible, in 28 seconds."

Mr O'Neil told the jury that the fact that such a long time had elapsed between the truck becoming visible and the accident amount to dangerous driving.

Mr Smith denies two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

The trial continues.