Transport for London (TfL) is facing a criminal prosecution over alleged safety failures at Walthamstow bus station, where a pensioner was struck by a double-decker bus and died. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has brought the case, accusing TfL of breaching workplace regulations governing pedestrian and traffic route safety.
Alleged 20-year safety failure
The local government body, overseen by Mayor of London Lord Sadiq Khan of Tooting, is accused of breaking the law over a 20-year period. According to the HSE, between January 1, 2004, and December 15, 2023, TfL “failed to ensure that traffic routes, specifically at the northern crossing at Walthamstow Bus Station, were suitable for persons and vehicles using them.”
The charge follows the death of 74-year-old retired nurse Grace Mecaley in December 2023. She was fatally injured when struck by a route 212 double-decker bus at the station.
Station closed for safety upgrades
In 2024, TfL shut down Walthamstow bus station for six weeks, stating that time was needed to implement safety upgrades. The HSE is prosecuting TfL for the alleged breach, which it says violates workplace regulations designed to protect pedestrians and manage traffic routes.
First court hearing scheduled
The first hearing in the case is scheduled for September 25 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. TfL has been approached for comment but has not yet responded publicly.
