By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-09-26 10:26:03 | Updated at 2026-09-26 11:25:49
1 hour ago
Transport for London has been fined over £2million after a pensioner was struck by a bus and killed while using a pedestrian crossing.
The incident occurred at Walthamstow Bus Station and saw 74-year-old Grace Mecaley killed in the incident.
Ms Mecaley was walking home after shopping on Walthamstow High Street on December 15, 2023, when a double-decker bus struck her.
Around 5pm, Ms Mecaley was crossing the road from Rose Bank Villas at an authorised pedestrian crossing.
She was about two-thirds of the way across the crossing when a number 212 bus struck her as it rounded a corner.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found TfL failed to ensure pedestrians and vehicles could circulate safely.
The investigation found the crossing was positioned at the apex of a bend, where buses turned into the station.
A pensioner was killed after a TfL bus crashed into her at Walthamstow Bus Station
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Its position and the angle at which buses approached meant drivers could turn towards the crossing without a clear view of its full length.
The ‘red carpet’ crossing was intended to give pedestrians priority.
However, the layout created ambiguity over right of way and increased the risk of a collision.
The investigation found TfL failed to manage the crossing's risks for years.
Multiple near misses were recorded with buses in the days leading up to her death
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Despite a pedestrian being struck by a bus in similar circumstances in April 2022, TfL failed to risk-assess the crossing.
CCTV footage also captured five near misses in the two days before Mrs Mecaley was killed.
It was also found TfL had failed to adequately monitor bus drivers operating at the station.
TfL was fined £2million and ordered to pay £5,081 in costs at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 25.
Speaking at Westminster Magistrates’ Court HSE Inspector Laurence Goodacre said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with Grace’s family who are represented here today by her son. Grace was a vibrant member of her community and her loss will be deeply felt.
“Grace was simply walking home after shopping when she was struck and killed while using an authorised pedestrian crossing.
“TfL had a responsibility to keep pedestrians safe, but its failings meant Grace never made it home.
“Grace died just days before Christmas and her family will continue to feel that loss particularly deeply at what should be a happy time of year.
“I hope today’s sentence provides them with some measure of comfort, knowing that those responsible for her death have been held to account.”
