A DECISION made by a bus driver has been described as "unacceptable" after the driver was seen manoeuvring the bus on grass outside residential properties.

A video of a City Red bus driver turning the vehicle around outside people's homes in Weston has been widely shared on social media.

There has been backlash following incident, which occurred on November 13, with many citing health and safety considerations that were not taken into account.

A former PCV (passenger carrying vehicle) driver of seven years from Southampton, who wished to remain anonymous, was sent the video by his friend.

He said: "I was shocked by it to be fair, by the manoeuvring and going down a road they shouldn’t have been or taking a wrong turning. 

"I think it's unacceptable. There were people around, so I'm sure some bystanders could have watched the bus back (if he had reversed in the road) rather than going on the grass.

"It could have gone horribly wrong. I just think, personally, it shows a lack of health and safety as a bus operator.

"It was really bad, there was no thought for safety."

First Hampshire Dorset and Berkshire, which operates City Red buses, is aware of the incident.

A spokesperson said: "We are aware of the incident on November 13 and want to apologise to the customers involved, and local residents.

"Safety of local people, our customers and drivers is paramount and we treat cases of unsafe driving with the upmost importance. We are speaking to the driver involved to establish the exact circumstances of this incident."