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If he’s properly parked (ie handbrake on, engine not in gear) he’s allowed to use his phone though, right? I thought that was how the law worked.
Seems a little spurious as grounds for aggravation.
NickCJ-
If he’s properly parked (ie handbrake on, engine not in gear) he’s allowed to use his phone though, right? I thought that was how the law worked.
In his own words, they're not allowed them in the cab.
But it wasn't the initial trigger - that was the close pass.
I also recognised him from his phone use at a red light the previous morning.
skidlidsid
Story time! I don't remember the last time I was this outraged - I can still feel the adrenaline pumping half an hour later.
In primary position northbound on Southwark Bridge Road (where they just made it one way for the traffic, and some of the buses turn right under the railway bridge). Light is green but has been green for a while, so bus driver wants to squeeze past me to turn right despite there not really being room. He squeezes past anyway, and I raise and arm and yell in objection. I can see him gesticulating in his cab.
Looks like it's the end of his route and he's pulled in to the side of the road, so I decide to have words. Approaching the bus I see him put a phone away - and it occurs to me that I fucking recognise him! I saw the same fucker yesterday in Brixton (very distinctive flat cap and beard combo, same build, absolutely unmistakeable), and he was checking his phone then too!
The argument starts off pretty standard - "Why did you drive so close to me?" "You were in the middle of the fucking road mate. " "Yes, there are taxis in the cycle lane on the other side of that junction so I don't use it". You know, the regular stuff.
I decide to let him know that I saw him on his phone yesterday too - and he decides attack is the best form of defence. He starts to shout me down with a string of such ignorant, dangerous bullshit that I'm amazed he hasn't killed someone yet - yelling about how I know I'm in the wrong so I'm trying to pin something on him.
Right then, I'm having your driver number and your plates. I pop round to the front of the bus - no driver number. Someone here will be able to tell me if that's legal. @Oliver Schick? @Skülly? Anyway, I grab a pic of his plates and a one of him doing a sarcastic thumbs up. I try a video too - but he's clever about it and doesn't say anything incriminating on video. I have to use two hands on the phone - the adrenaline and rage at his disregard for my safety is making me shake.
"OK mate, you'll be getting a complaint."
"Go ahead mate, they'll do the same thing they always do - nothing will happen."
Un-fucking-believable. I've been so zen recently too...
Edit: complaint submitted to TfL. What's the deal with bus CCTV? Does it get wiped quickly? Bet it shows he's been on his phone.