Bus driver suspended in safety breach

CAUGHT on camera . . . the bus driver uses his phone at the wheel

A BUS driver who endangered the lives of his passengers by using a mobile phone while he was driving has been suspended.

This picture, taken by a passenger who then reported it to the Chronicle, shows the Stagecoach driver using his phone behind the wheel as he comes up to a busy roundabout at the top of Manchester Street.

Students

The passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, said there were around 30 to 40 students on board the vehicle at the time.

After being notified by the Chronicle, Stagecoach condemned the use of mobile phones while driving as unacceptable and have suspended the driver pending an internal investigation and will take disciplinary action if appropriate.

They also thanked the member of the public and maintained that safety is a priority and they relay that to their driving team.

Safety

A Stagecoach spokeswoman said: "We are absolutely clear that the use of any personal electronic devices while driving is unacceptable. Safety is our absolute priority and our high standards are made clear to all members of our driving team."

The picture was taken last Wednesday at 2.08pm.

The spokeswoman added: "We would like to thank the member of the public for bringing this to our attention.

"As a result of these allegations, we can confirm a driver has been suspended pending an internal investigation.

"We will take whatever disciplinary action is appropriate after our investigation has been concluded."

The impact of mobile phone use while driving has been touted as bad as drink driving by Greater Manchester Police chiefs who are currently running a crackdown on drivers who use their phones at the wheel.

In the first week of the crackdown, which runs up to Christmas, undercover and marked police cars stopped 142 cars for using their phones and a further four for not being in proper control of their vehicle ­- one of whom was caught eating a bowl of cereal at the wheel.

All of the drivers stopped for using their phones were issued with fines and penalty notices and some were ordered to complete a mobile phone awareness course.

From next year penalties will see offenders given six points on their licence and a £200 spot fine.