Video footage has shown a coach performing a U-turn on a dangerous section of the A30 in Cornwall. The footage, recorded on Wednesday, September 9, shows The Travellers Choice coach crossing solid white lines to turn onto the opposite carriageway on the Hayle Bypass. Oncoming vehicles appear to slow down as the driver makes the risky move to leave a traffic queue.
After a member of the public reported the incident, The Travellers Choice said it reviewed the coach's dash cam footage and was "able to establish the severity and nature of what had occurred". The company confirmed the driver has been taken off duty and "will remain off duty pending a formal disciplinary meeting", reports Cornwall Live.
Images and video of the incident were shared on social media, with commenters criticising the driver. One person said: "A professional driver, they should know better". Another said: "Disgusting, hopefully action will be done." A third said: "Most irresponsible above others seen in recent years, a coach!" Someone else said: "For a professional driver that is horrendous unless directed to do so by a police officer. Not only are there signs there saying no U-turns he would most likely have crossed the double white lines." Another added: "Putting all the passengers at risk and road users." Others reported the incident to The Travellers Choice, a Lancashire-based coach company from Carnforth that owns the vehicle.
A spokesperson for The Travellers Choice said: "We were made aware of the incident by a member of the public, which was quickly escalated to us internally. All of our coaches are fitted with tracking systems and dash cameras, allowing us to promptly review the circumstances surrounding the incident. Having reviewed the footage, we were able to establish the severity and nature of what had occurred. As soon as the driver had stopped, our managing director, Mr Shaw, made direct contact with the driver to address the incident. I can confirm that the driver has been taken off duty and will remain off duty pending a formal disciplinary meeting. We take the safety of our passengers, drivers and other road users extremely seriously, and we do not condone this type of driving. We would also like to thank the members of the public who brought the incident to our attention, enabling us to act quickly and appropriately."
Numerous 'No U-turn' signs have been installed at the location over the years after multiple serious and fatal crashes caused by drivers attempting the manoeuvre on the dual carriageway.
Coach Filmed Making Dangerous U-Turn on A30