A WIDNES bus driver has been suspended from professional driving after he was caught using his mobile phone whilst driving a bus.

Paul Coleman, 23, of Brackenwood Drive, Ditton, will not be allowed to drive professionally until June 18 following a decision by the industry regulator.

Deputy Traffic Commissioner Miles Dorrington made the order after holding a hearing into Mr Coleman’s conduct.

The matter was brought to the attention of the Traffic Commissioner’s Office by Mr Coleman’s previous employer, Halton Transport.

Mr Coleman had been captured using his mobile phone whilst driving the bus on CCTV footage.

The vehicle was carrying passengers at the time of the incident.

At the conduct hearing on Thursday, May 19,  Mr Coleman agreed that he had put other road users and passenger safety at risk by using his mobile phone whilst driving.

He told the Deputy Traffic Commissioner that he had learnt from his mistake and would never do it again.

He had since secured employment with another bus firm and had told them about the incident.