Please report dangerous drivers to the police - Roadsafe. Report to plod, not just whinge here.

It sucks just getting hit with a form response, but perhaps by doing this kind of thing en masse, attitiudes get changed...?

To whom it may concern

I would like to make a complaint about the driving and behaviour of the N73 driver who I had the misfortune of meeting at Newington Green
at 2.07am this morning, 24th May 2009.

I was ahead of the N73, parallel with a car, at the northbound lights, heading onto Albion Road. When the light turned green, the car accelerated ahead onto Albion Road. Myself and the N73 were in the bus lane, and both proceeded northbound when the lights turned green. The bus then flashed his lights at me in a manner that implied agitation, and pulled out to pass me. Albion Road has on-street parking for cars on both sides, staggered at intervals. As this happened, there was a car driving towards us, in the middle of the road (prompted by the line of parked cars). This caused the driver of the N73 to swerve in towards me (I was parallel with the driver's cab at this point) in a dangerous manner. I gesticulated at the driver to inform him that I was in danger of being crushed; he did not alter his course.

I pulled parallel with the driver's cab at the next stop, and pointed out his dangerous driving and offensive behaviour. He replied, "you're not the only vehicle on the road". This seemed a particularly fatuous remark, considering his negligent behaviour towards me - a vulnerable road user in comparison to himself.

I would strongly recommend that you provide training courses for your bus drivers in road safety, the highway code, and respecting other
road users. Had I been an under confident cyclist, the driver's actions may well have caused a serious Road Traffic Accident.

I look forward to hearing your response.

their reply:

I am writing to thank you for taking the time to contact London Buses with your comments about the standard of driving of a route N73 bus driver.

This company always treats allegations of dangerous driving very seriously. Once a member of staff has been brought to our attention he would be interviewed by his manager and appropriate action would be taken as a consequence. It would also be likely, depending on the seriousness of the complaint, that a plain clothes Inspector will monitor the driver’s future performance. Further action may then be taken against him depending on the outcome of the Inspector’s report. This action can vary from re-training to dismissal.

Given the limited number of instructors and the large number of drivers we employ we do encourage road users who have been inconvenienced to contact us with details. This in turn allows us to target our instructors more efficiently.

I have therefore forwarded your comments to the Manager of Tottenham Garage for his immediate attention.

I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the driving you witnessed and to thank you again for taking the time to contact London Buses.

Yours sincerely

Mrs L Saunders
Customer Services Manager