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Bus driver disciplined over road rage
A bus driver has been disciplined following a road rage incident in which he intimidated and verbally abused a taxi driver.
A passer-by captured the incident on video, just before 1pm on Sunday July 25, when the driver of a number 430 bus was forced to slow down behind a taxi travelling slowly to look for a passenger.
Then as he went to overtake the taxi, in Thurlow Place, South Kensington, he drove slowly alongside it on the wrong side of the road, opened the door and began shouting obscenities, before stopping the bus in the taxi's path, getting out, and continuing to abuse the other driver.
Darren Vaughan, the passer-by who captured the incident, said: "The bus driver became extremely angry at the slow speed of the taxi.
"Instead of passing quickly and safely, the bus driver drove alongside the the taxi at walking pace for some distance on the wrong side of the road, while he continued shouting at the taxi driver.
"Due to the fact the bus driver was looking at the taxi driver, instead of the road ahead, he failed to notice that he was heading towards a cyclist coming the other way.
"Fortunately there was sufficient room for the cyclist to pass, but this is when I started filming."
The video shows the bus driver stop to block the taxi, then the driver leaves the bus parked on the wrong side of the road to shout at the taxi driver some more.
Mr Vaughan complained to bus firm Go Ahead about the driver's behaviour, and a spokeswoman confirmed that he had been disciplined.
She said: "All drivers trained by London General undertake a comprehensive training programme with a very strong emphasis on both safety and customer care.
"They are expected to operate their vehicles in a polite, friendly and professional manner, consistent with maximum safety of and with due concern for passengers and all road users.
"We have managed to identify and interview the member of staff responsible. The matter has been dealt with appropriately and in accordance with our company's formal disciplinary procedure."
The firm would not comment on what the disciplinary action was, and whether or not the driver had been sacked.
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