Glasgow City Council ordered to pay £80,000 after a man suffered life-changing injuries when struck by a collapsing lamppost in Glasgow in June 2023
Glasgow Council Ordered to Pay £80,000 After Lamppost Incident
A council has been ordered to pay £80,000 after a man was struck by a collapsing lamppost.
Colin Shaw was left with life-changing injuries after the lamppost hit him in Glasgow in June 2023.
The local authority admitted liability at the city’s sheriff court on Thursday.
Statement from Colin Shaw
In a statement released through law firm Digby Brown, Mr. Shaw said: “This accident has had a huge impact on my life and I am pleased it has now come to a conclusion.”
He added, “I now request privacy as I continue my recovery and rehabilitation.”
Glasgow City Council’s Response
Glasgow City Council apologized for the harm caused. They stated they will invest £7.5 million in the coming years to replace outdated and damaged lampposts.
A spokesperson said: “We are very sorry for this incident and the harm this has caused to Mr. Shaw. We accept the lighting column referred to in this case was not properly inspected.”
They added, “Following this incident, our approach to the maintenance of the city street lighting network has been updated and improved.”
Improvements in Maintenance
The council mentioned they now undertake a more thorough risk assessment of lighting columns. A new mapping system has been developed to help manage the system more effectively. They have also introduced a dedicated inspection team.
Additionally, the council has allocated an extra £7.5 million to replace lighting columns across the city over the next three years.
Comments from the Crown Office
Debbie Carroll, who leads health and safety investigations at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said the incident could have “proved fatal” and has “irrevocably changed a man’s life.”
She added, “It could have been avoided if the maintenance system in place at the time had been more robust in ensuring a full visual inspection of lighting assessed to be in poor condition.”
Carroll stated, “By failing to do so, Glasgow City Council left the public facing unacceptable risk. This prosecution should remind duty holders that such failings can have serious consequences and they will be held accountable.”
Summary of Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | June 2023 |
| Injured Party | Colin Shaw |
| Compensation Amount | £80,000 |
| Council’s Investment | £7.5 million |
| New Inspection Team | Yes |
