London bus driver caught on camera 'using his phone' at the wheel

'If the driver were to crash, it could have catastrophic consequences, people could be killed'

A bus driver has been condemned for "risking passengers' lives" after being caught on camera 'using his phone' while at the wheel.

Footage captured by passing cyclist Dave Sherry shows the driver of the single-decker bus looking down at what appears to be a hand-held device with his eyes off the road.

Mr Sherry, who also happens to be a bus driver, shouted "put it down" as the driver approached a junction.

Having himself driven buses for Transport for London for the past 15 years, Mr Sherry, 40, said he thought the driver's actions were "utterly irresponsible".

"People have got on that bus and put their lives in that driver's hands," he said.

"Parents will send their children off to school thinking they're safe.

"If the driver were to crash, it could have catastrophic consequences, people could be killed.

"It's disgusting that a professional driver could take such drastic risks and risk passengers lives.

“This is one of my pet hates, I have been a bus driver for 15 years and I know you need absolute 100% concentration at all times."

Mr Sherry was cycling from Epping to Harlow, in Essex, on Monday morning when he saw the driver of the oncoming 420 TrustyBus on his phone.

“He was not watching the road, I could see the bus swerving with passengers on board and he was not looking," he added.

"I feel like banging my head against a brick wall when I catch a fellow bus driver texting.

"You just can’t afford one mistake and some idiots just drive around with total disregard for the law and people’s safety."

Mr Sherry was hit by a lorry last week while he was riding his bike, suffering minor injuries to his hip and shoulder as a result.

He believes drivers of large vehicles need to be reminded of their responsibility.

A spokesperson for TrustyBus said: "We take passenger safety very seriously and an investigation is underway.

"We can't comment any further due to staff confidentiality."

The penalty for using a mobile phone while driving is a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

HGV and bus drivers could also be fined up to £2,500 and face disqualification if the case is sent to court.

Additional reporting from SWNS.