Luton Airport and its design subcontractor have been fined after an elderly passenger was killed on a poorly sited pedestrian crossing. 78-year-old Mary Whiting from Norfolk was crushed by a 26 tonne milk lorry as she crossed between the terminal building and a passenger drop-off zone at Luton Airport in May 2009.
Mrs Whiting believed the vehicle was stationery, but as went to use the pedestrian crossing it pulled away and struck her.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the incident and found the crossing, which was designed by C-T Aviation Solutions Limited (C-TAS) and positioned on private land leased by airport operators, was badly positioned and didn’t conform to the regulations that apply to public roads.
During a six-week trial (running from 15th April until 31st May), Luton Crown Court heard that London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL) was in charge of maintaining all roads, parking enforcement and signage at the airport, including the private land in question. The crossing was part of a wider building project and was opened in March 2009 by C–TAS.
Following Mrs Whiting’s death, LLAOL was served with an Improvement Notice which required changes relating to pedestrian and vehicle safety. The requested modifications were consequently made.
London Luton Airport Operations Limited was fined a total of £75,000 and ordered to pay nearly £200,000 in costs after being found guilty of breaching the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
Design subcontractor C-T Aviation Solutions Limited was fined £70,000 along with £30,000 in costs after it was found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and Construction (Design and Mangement) Regulations 2007.