The case, which was brought by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC), is believed to be the largest fine from a prosecution by the authority.
Maidstone Crown Court heard last week that Mr Geoffrey Husher was at British Car Auctions Ltd (BCA) in October 2018 when he was hit by a car being brought into the auction hall, leaving him with ‘life-changing injuries’.
The vehicle was being driven down a ramp to the auction hall, where buyers were set to bid on the vehicle, when it collided with two customers.
One of the men managed to roll over the bonnet of the oncoming car but Mr Husher was crushed between the car and an Armco barrier, where he sustained life-changing injuries.
Mr Husher, a buyer from Swanley, was pinned by his legs against a barrier by the vehicle. He has since died for reasons unconnected with the incident.
The investigation, led by Justene Lawal, Senior Environmental Health Officer at TWBC, identified that BCA had recognised potential hazards associated with pedestrians and vehicles and identified some controls but had failed to adequately implement those controls.
Prosecutor David Travers, QC, told Maidstone Crown Court that Mr Husher, who loved dog walking, needed a wheelchair to get around after the incident.
He said the accident happened on a ramp when the driver, Roderick Duncan, stood on the brake and throttle at the same time and the vehicle lurched forward.
The 54-year-old driver was never charged as the incident happened on private land.
After pleading guilty to a single count of breaching Section 3 of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, BCA was fined £1.1million and ordered to pay over £97,000 in costs.
Council Cabinet member Councillor Jane March said: “This was a very sad incident, and my thoughts are with Mr Husher’s family as I am sure that knowing this court case was taking place will have been difficult for them.
“The Council has a responsibility to enforce health and safety in certain types of premises which it has done on this occasion.
“It does not do so lightly but with the protection of employees and members of the public in mind.”
