Transport for London has been fined £2 million after a woman was killed by a double-decker bus at a pedestrian crossing in north-east London.
TfL was convicted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court of failing to ensure pedestrians and vehicles could circulate safely at Walthamstow bus station. The prosecution was brought by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Fatal collision followed near misses
Grace Mecaley, a 74-year-old retired nurse, was struck by a route 212 bus at about 5pm on 15 December 2023. She was walking home after shopping on Walthamstow High Street and was approximately two-thirds of the way across the authorised crossing when the bus rounded a corner and hit her. She suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the HSE, CCTV showed five near misses at the crossing during the preceding two days. A similar collision had also occurred in April 2022.
The regulator said the crossing was positioned at the apex of a bend used by buses entering the station. This meant drivers could turn towards the crossing without a clear view of its full length.
The crossing, marked as a “red carpet” intended to give pedestrians priority, also created uncertainty over right of way, the HSE said.
HSE identifies wider management failures
An HSE spokesperson said the crossing’s position and approach angle increased the risk of collisions, while TfL’s failure to manage those risks continued for years.
The HSE’s investigation also found that TfL had not adequately monitored bus drivers operating at the station.