Amanda Coppen · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 8 January 2016 I commenced an investigation into the death of Amanda Coppen, age 44. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 12 August 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was that Ms Coppen died of multiple injuries caused as a result of a road traffic collision.

At approximately 0704 on 4 January 2016 Ms Coppen suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by a bus as she was crossing Pilot Busway on the south side of the junction with John Harrison Way.

(1) The evidence at the inquest was that Ms Coppen was crossing the busway on a signal controlled pedestrian crossing while the signal was red to pedestrians and green to traffic. However, the evidence also suggested that the layout of Pilot Busway and the neighbouring road (West Parkside) is unusual: they run side by side; West Parkside consists of a single carriageway in each direction; Pilot Busway consists of a single dedicated bus lane in each direction. The evidence was that this layout could mislead road users (pedestrians and motorists) into believing that this is a standard dual carriageway. Ordinary traffic has been seen in the dedicated busway, and pedestrians could be misled into looking the wrong way when crossing the road.
(2) I understand that a new school is shortly to be built close to this junction. This may increase the numbers of pedestrians using the junction and there is a potential risk to schoolchildren.
(3) I understand that some discussion about the junction may already be underway between London Borough of Greenwich, Transport for London and the Greater London Authority.
(4) I enclose copies of the reports of ████████ dated 15 February 2016 and ████████ dated 13 June 2016 which set out the circumstances in more detail.