A coach driver has been suspended immediately and faces a formal disciplinary meeting after footage captured them performing a dangerous manoeuvre on a notoriously risky stretch of the A30 in Cornwall.
The company that owns the coach said it reviewed its tracking systems and dashcam footage and was quickly able to establish "the severity and nature" of what occurred. A spokesperson said it does not condone this type of driving and acted "quickly and appropriately".
Footage, taken on Wednesday (September 9), showed the moment the Travellers Choice coach driver made a decision to illegally cross solid white lines in an attempt to turn into the opposite side of the road on the Hayle Bypass.
It appears oncoming vehicles are forced to slow down as the driver carries out the manoeuvre to escape the queue of traffic. It is the same spot where numerous serious and fatal collisions have occurred for this very reason, with signs installed to warn people against it.
The Travellers Choice said after it received a report of the incident from a member of the public, it reviewed the coach's dashcam 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."
"Putting all the passengers at risk and road users," said another.
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."
Coach Driver Suspended After Illegal A30 U-Turn