Video footage has captured the moment a coach performed a U-turn on a notoriously dangerous stretch of the A30 in Cornwall.
The footage, taken on Wednesday (September 9), shows The Travellers Choice coach crossing central solid white lines in an attempt to turn into the opposite side of the road on the Hayle Bypass. It appears that oncoming vehicles are forced to slow down as the driver carries out the dangerous manoeuvre to escape the queue of traffic.
The Travellers Choice said after it received a report of the incident by a member of the public, 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 as a result and "will remain off duty pending a formal disciplinary meeting".
Pictures and video footage of the move were shared on social media and the incident was criticised by commenters highlighting the danger. One person said: "A professional driver, they should know better". Another wrote: "Disgusting, hopefully action will be done." A third commented: "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 said they have reported the incident to the company that owns the coach, The Travellers Choice, which is based in Carnforth in Lancashire. 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."
Video Captures Coach U-Turn on Notorious A30 Stretch