21/04/2010

Book-Reading Bus Driver Dropped

A busman who drove his packed double decker along a busy dual carriageway - while reading a book - has been suspended.

He was so engrossed he didn't even notice being filmed by one horrified passenger.

The passenger, who wishes to remain anonymous, filmed the National Express West Midlands driver steering with his elbows while holding a small book.

Now the one-minute film clip has been posted on YouTube - and the driver has been suspended by bosses at National Express West Midlands.

In a statement, a spokesman said: "Immediate action was taken to suspend the driver who will now face disciplinary action.

"It is not appropriate to predict the outcome but an incident of this type is likely to lead to a dismissal.

"Passenger safety is always our priority and it is completely unacceptable for any driver to behave in this manner."

The unnamed driver faces disciplinary action, and possibly the sack, for endangering passenger safety.

(LB/BMcC)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

27 October 2015
Unlicensed Minicab Driver Jailed For Killing Passenger
An unlicensed minicab driver has been jailed for eight years for causing the death of a passenger. Matab Uddin, 59, of Blackshots Lane, Essex was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving and fraud. The court heard how police were called on Sunday, 17 November 2013 at about 1:45am to reports of a man injured on Essex Road.
08 December 2014
Shrien Dewani Cleared Of Honeymoon Murder
Businessman Shrien Dewani has been cleared of taking part in the murder of his wife in South Africa. Judge Jeanette Traverso said the prosecution failed to put forward enough evidence to prove he had planned the murder. Anni Dewani, 28, was shot dead in Cape Town in November 2010. Mr Dewani, 34, always denied he had any part in the murder.
12 June 2014
Regulator Announce Lower Car Insurance Costs
The Competitor and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced a series of measures with the aim of helping bring down the costs of insuring a car and has called for better information for consumers about their rights.
27 May 2003
Ambulance staff must not be placed in ‘impossible position’
The plight of an ambulance driver facing prosecution for doing 104 mph while transporting vital organs for transplant has attracted support from unions and the Shadow Health Secretary Dr Liam Fox.
18 June 2009
Teenager Dies In Car Crash
An 18-year-old man has died and three people have been injured in a car accident in Cornwall. The head-on crash involved a Rover Mini, a Renault Scenic and a Volkswagon Polo on the B3274 at Winnards Perch, at approximately 10.20pm last night. The driver of the Mini, a man from the Padstow area, died from his injuries.