Probe into boy 'drove bus' claim

The bus had around 50 schoolchildren on board

A coach driver has been suspended following a claim he allowed a 14-year-old boy to take the steering wheel of a vehicle full of children.

More than 50 pupils from Pontllanfraith Comprehensive, south Wales, were on the bus when the alleged incident happened.

Another pupil said the schoolboy was allowed to steer the bus - a claim the driver has strongly denied.

The bus company, Stagecoach Wales, has suspended the driver while an investigation takes place.

The bus was taking children to Pontllanfraith Comprehensive, near Blackwood, on Wednesday when the incident is alleged to have happened.

I want to make it absolutely clear that at no point did the boy touch the pedals or sit in the seat Stagecoach bus driver

Parents of a young girl travelling on the bus complained to the school after she claimed a 14-year-old boy had been allowed to take the wheel.

Stagecoach Wales Commercial Director Richard Davies said: "A young passenger came forward to say the driver let one of the youngsters take the wheel and drive the bus.

"We have to take the allegations seriously and have suspended the driver while we carry out an investigation.

"Our driver categorically denies allowing any of the children to sit in the driver's seat and drive the bus."

'Touched wheel'

The driver told the firm he allowed the boy to lean over and touch the wheel for 10 seconds, but said his own hands were on the wheel at all times.

The driver, who has not been named, told the South Wales Argus the boy had been pestering him.

He added: "He was nagging and nagging me, asking if he could drive the bus.

"He was very distracting and the bus swerved and I almost hit a traffic cone.

"When he wouldn't stop I let him touch the steering wheel.

"I want to make it absolutely clear that at no point did the boy touch the pedals or sit in the seat.

"Both my hands remained on the wheel, inside the driver cab.

"I let the boy touch the top of the wheel for no more than 10 seconds."

'Parent complaint'

Children on board the bus are being interviewed to discover what happened.

Caerphilly Council said: "We are aware that a driver has been suspended by Stagecoach and an investigation is being carried out by the firm.

"We are also obviously liaising with the bus operator to find out more about the allegations."

Alison Stevens, head teacher at Ponllanfraith Comprehensive, said: "The parent of a girl pupil has made a complaint which is now being investigated."