Family calls for improved bus driver vetting after NHS worker killed on pedestrian crossing

A family has called for better checks on bus drivers after an NHS psychotherapist was run over and killed on a pedestrian crossing.

Gilla Gelberg, 63, of Crouch End, was hit by a bus in Stratford High Street, after the driver ran a red light, when distracted by the top deck onboard camera.

A coroner concluded that she was unlawfully killed.

Gilla, described as a “shining example” of a professional working within the NHS, suffered multiple injuries when she was hit by the bus while crossing the street on her lunchbreak, in June 2018. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second pedestrian narrowly missed getting injured.

The inquest in October, was told that the bus driver had a history of alcohol and drug addiction which was not picked up on by the bus driver’s employer, Tower Transit Operations.

Gilla’s husband, Jonathan Wilson, is now calling on Transport for London (TfL) to investigate its recruitment screening policies used by franchised bus operators.

Jonathan was initially told that the Crown Prosecution would not prosecute the driver.

The decision was reversed in September 2020, following an appeal and a review. However, the unnamed driver died before he could be tried for causing death by careless driving.

During the coroner’s investigation, medical records revealed the driver had been involved in previous collisions, and had been under NHS treatment for drug and alcohol abuse since 2013.

The assistant coroner said these issues hadn’t directly contributed to the incident, however, Tower Transit said that it would not have employed the driver had it known about them.

Jonathan said: “Gilla worked tirelessly to help others. She was admired, respected and loved by her colleagues, and was a shining example of an NHS worker who treasured the opportunity to serve others.

“We’re still struggling to come to terms with the brutal shock of the heart of our family being wiped out in an instant. There was no warning, no period of acclimatisation through a period of illness.

“We do not in any way wish to vilify drug and alcohol addicts; we understand that this condition is an illness.

However, we think it is wrong that individuals with such issues can be put into a demanding life-critical role, driving a public bus in a busy metropolis, without adequate screening and monitoring.”

Gilla leaves behind two adult sons.

Angela Batchelor, a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represented the family, said: “This

is a truly tragic case which has had devastating consequences for Gilla’s family and many friends.

“While nothing can ever make up for their loss, they take some comfort that the inquest has at least helped provide them with some of the answers they deserve.

“Many people will be shocked by the evidence heard during the inquest. Gilla’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers drivers can potentially pose to other vulnerable road users by not paying attention.”

The Evening Standard reported that the driver passed a pre-employment drugs and alcohol test and also did so after the collision.

Louise Cheeseman, TfL’s director of bus operations, said: “Ms Gelberg’s death was a tragedy and our thoughts remain with her family and friends.

“We will work closely with Tower Transit in relation to any lessons that can be learnt from this horrific incident and respond to any recommendations made by the Traffic Commissioner.”