Coroner raises concerns over 'dangerous' Luton-Dunstable Busway after man's death

69-year-old Ibrahima Yahaia was struck by a single decker bus on January 15, 2020, while walking along the lane of the busway instead of the adjacent footpath.

On November 4, an inquest concluded that his death was accidental, caused by multiple severe injuries and a road traffic collision.

Senior coroner Emma Whitting has now issued a Regulation 28 Report (prevention of future deaths) to Luton Borough Council, responsible for the management of the busway. Concerns include no appropriate signage and gaps in the fence allowing pedestrians to freely access the busway lane.

The coroner wrote: "At the Bury Park end of Hatters Way, there is no fencing which again means pedestrians are free to enter the busway lanes. Unlike train tracks, where the only way to get access is via a station, the busway is easily accessed, yet it is just as dangerous.

"There have been at least two other incidents on the busway involving serious injury or death in the period from February 9, 2019, and January 15, 2020.

"Evidence from the local forensic collision investigation unit suggests there are clear and evident design flaws with this busway.

"The local forensic collision unit has seen no evidence of any steps being taken to prevent further vulnerable people from being injured or killed in incidents on this busway."

November's inquest heard that Mr Yahaia was a French national who did not speak English, and had arrived by plane from Lyon about an hour before the incident.

Mr Yahaia had memory problems and had made his own way from the airport, although family members believed they had arranged for him to have assistance on arrival.

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: "This was a tragic accident and we note the coroner’s concerns.

"Regrettably, neither Luton Borough Council nor Central Bedfordshire Council were made aware of the inquest and were therefore unable to assist the coroner with her investigation with the provision of input and evidence.

"The busway was constructed in accordance with the relevant statutory industry, health and safety standards and the design was accepted by all statutory bodies.

"We are working with the police to look at the issue of unauthorised access to the busway and to respond to the points the coroner makes."