A SECOND investigation has been launched today following fresh allegations another bus driver used a mobile phone while ferrying passengers around Ipswich.

A SECOND investigation has been launched today following fresh allegations another bus driver used a mobile phone while ferrying passengers around Ipswich.

The Evening Star revealed yesterday that a Kesgrave woman complained to First Eastern Counties after spotting the driver of the bus she was on chatting away on a handheld mobile while at the wheel last Saturday.

A spokesman for First Eastern Counties said the matter was being investigated.

News of the fresh probe comes after a female driver being investigated for a similar incident on January 19 quit her job prior to disciplinary procedures being completed.

Denise Boon, 47, of Wainwright Way, Kesgrave, said she was shocked when the male driver of the bus she was on started a conversation on his mobile phone.

She said: “As well as chatting on his mobile he was effing and blinding at an elderly gentleman in front of him.

“He drove the bus with one hand down Crown Street and Museum Street.

“Before getting off the bus I asked him if he would mind putting the phone down. I said I would report him and he just smirked.

“I was shocked.”

She reported the incident to First Eastern Counties on Monday.

Meanwhile it has emerged that two Ipswich Buses employees have been disciplined in the past for use of mobile phones at the wheel.

Malcolm Robson, managing director of Ipswich Buses, said the two incidents happened “more than a year ago”.

“It did happen twice but we squashed it very quickly,” Mr Robson said.

“There isn't an issue with mobile phones in our company.”

WEBLINKS: www.firstgroup.com

www.ipswichbuses.co.uk