Cambridgeshire County Council has admitted to failing in its duty to manage safety risks on the guided busway that serves Cambridge, Huntingdon, and St Ives. The council faces prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after three fatalities and a serious injury occurred between 2015 and 2021.
A sentencing hearing at Cambridge Crown Court heard that the council repeatedly ignored warnings and failed to address safety concerns, leaving members of the public exposed to unnecessary risks.
A History of Fatal Accidents
The court was presented with evidence regarding the deaths of Jennifer Taylor, Steve Moir, and Kathleen Pitts, all of whom were killed in collisions on the busway. Additionally, a teenager sustained serious injuries in a separate incident.
HSE barrister Pascal Bates argued that the case highlighted “mismanagement of safety,” stating that the council was “unprepared” and had failed to ask itself “relevant questions” about the risks posed by the guided busway. He stated that guided busways are rare, and proper risk management should have been a priority.
Key Safety Failures
The court heard that the council admitted to two breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974:
- Failing to ensure public safety at designated crossing points
- Failing to prevent risks to people in the vicinity of or traveling alongside the busway
The prosecution highlighted that the buses operating on the busway were “relatively silent,” increasing the risk for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Council’s Response and Apology
During an earlier hearing, council chief executive Dr. Stephen Moir issued an apology, acknowledging that the council had fallen “far short” of expected safety standards. He stated, “For that, we are truly sorry.”
The council’s legal team also noted that its financial situation would be a key consideration in determining the penalty. A commercial organization convicted of similar offenses could expect a fine in the range of seven to eight figures.
Sentencing to Be Announced
Judge Mark Bishop has indicated that sentencing decisions will be announced at a later date, following the conclusion of the hearing.
