Help with reporting an incident please

helz

I had a very scary encounter with a bendy bus on Monday (my first one - until now I'd wondered what all the fuss was about to be honest!) and am only now getting round to reporting it. I was so shaken up by it that I didn't want to think about it before, but now I feel like I have to report it because what the driver did was really dangerous and he definitely needs a good talking to and some re-training. Honestly mates it was SO close. Anyway I'm not very good at wording these things - could someone have a look at my draft and let me know if there's anything I should add/change? This is for a standard form the TFL website and I've also filled in the date and time it happened.

"I am writing to you with regard to a very frightening incident which took place on Monday evening when I was riding my bicycle west along the Strand and turning left on to Waterloo Bridge.

Just as I had turned the corner, a 521 bendy bus (registration number I believe was BX02 YXJ) suddenly overtook me and swerved into my path, almost knocking me off and crushing me against the railings at the side of the road. The bus came so close to me that I could see passengers on board looking absolutely aghast and pedestrians waiting to cross the road looking shocked and shouting out to the driver. I was very shaken up by this and did not think to take the details of any witnesses unfortunately, but the incident may have been caught on CCTV.

The driver's behaviour was extremely dangerous and there was no excuse for his complete disregard for my safety."

robmanic1

Helz, sounds like a nitemare, hope you're ok now.
Your letter looks ok to me, I'd just add that you would expect a report on the outcome, otherwise they may just give you the old "we'll look into it" routine.

helz

Yes I guess I should ask them to advise me as soon as possible what action they will be taking. Also I should probably add something like "The Highway Code states that when overtaking cyclists, vehicles should give them as much room as they would if they were a car, but the driver of this bus gave me no room at all."

robmanic1

Sounds like a c*ck!

daniel_b

I used to cross that junction all the time on foot, and it's a pretty hairy junction for pedestrians, and any 2 wheeled form of transport!

Sounds like a very nearly nasty incident, glad you are ok though.
Good job on getting the reg number, and I hope you get a proper reply from the bus company.

Boris will have these off the road soon though won't he

Dan

helz

I hope I got the registration number right - I kept it in my head until I got to Waterloo then put it in my phone. Then I locked up my bike outside the station and got a bus the rest of the way because I didn't really feel like cycling anymore! I was back on the bike the next day though and I've still cycled to work most days this week - luckily that area isn't part of my usual commute.

beesneez

That's a real sh1tter :evil: I always avoid going anywhere near a bendy-bus, but you obviously had no choice when it comes from behind. Ban them all I say!

In terms of your letter, perhaps include the exact time and date of the incident as if they do pursue matters it will help narrow down who the c0ck driver was.

phil_ss1

Agree with last post, bus companies seem to have a great skill in not knowing who is driving their buses at what point in time!

At least with buses, unlike other forms of transport the driver will be insured/trained/have badge number, befire being let loose on Joe Public

Phil

helz

Thanks guys. I've submitted the complaint now. There was space on the form to fill in the date and time of the incident, which I did. Hope they manage to find out who the driver was, he really freaked me out! I also quoted the Highway Code where it states that drivers should "give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car" (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070314). I'll let you know if I get a response.

robmanic1

<<<<not holding breath, but good luck!

prj45

I find when writing a complaint it's best not to preach.

A simple statement of what occured seems to work best, and how you think the driver should've behaved.

helz

This is the response I got:

Thank you for your email to London Buses, regarding a route 521 bus driver, on 12 May 2008.

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 professional manner, with due care and consideration at all times and ensure the safety of passengers, cyclists and all other road users. I was therefore most concerned to have received your complaint.

From the information that you supplied, we have managed to identify and interview the member of staff concerned. Please be assured that this matter has been dealt with appropriately, in accordance with our company’s disciplinary procedure. Unfortunately I am unable to disclose any information regarding interviews with our staff as this is a confidential issue between the employer and employee.

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention and please accept my apologies for any distress this situation may have caused you.

Kind regards

Marilyn Curtis

Customer Services

I was only expecting to get their standard response to be honest, but now I've actually received it I feel really p*issed off again. Sending the complaint was quite therapeutic but getting the same response that I've seen posted on here time and time again just makes me feel like drivers are going to carry on behaving like this and the bus companies don't even care enough to bother drafting a proper reply.

cee

Don't get too worked up about it Helz, at least you got a reply.

If you are still not satisfied however, why not reply and ask for a copy of their Disciplinary Procedure? They may very well say no though.