Bus driver makes 'lose life' threat in right of way row Published duration 2 October 2015

image copyright Bath Chronicle image caption The two drivers refused to move for an hour

A bus driver involved in an angry one-hour stand-off over right of way on a road told a motorist: "You're going to lose your... life in a second."

The bus came head to head with a car in Bath, blocking the street with both drivers refusing to reverse until police arrived to defuse the situation.

As the vehicles blocked each other in, the bus driver was heard repeatedly swearing at the motorist, Ewan Langley.

First Bus said it was investigating and apologised to those affected.

The firm said it considered it a "very serious issue".

The company said it had a policy of not reversing vehicles but its general manager for Bath, Andrew Sherrington said: "We cannot and will not accept behaviour which has been reported to us today from any of our staff. I can confirm that we are dealing with this matter swiftly and appropriately."

'You can't drive'

A Facebook video shows a number of passengers on the bus during the stand-off in Coronation Avenue.

In the video, the motorist, driving a Volkswagen Lupo, walks up to the bus and is heard saying: "It's my right of way bruv."

The bus driver then opens the door and says "representing First"... "I suggest you move" and "you can't drive".

As traffic is brought to a standstill, another video shows a woman urging Mr Langley to "back down". Another man, stuck in the traffic jam, tells him: "I've got work to do".

The footage also shows the bus driver pulling out a copy of the Metro newspaper and reading it in his cab while refusing to move the bus.

The Bath Chronicle reports that the driver has since lost his job and says he was provoked and has been misrepresented.

A spokesman for First Bus said the driver worked for an agency, so any decision about his future was up to the agency.

Avon and Somerset Police said it was called to Coronation Avenue at 13:00 BST and traffic was moving an hour later.

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