The @VidetteUKLtd safety page shows you can obey every rule https://t.co/nTRA2OyrFu and yet pose mortal danger pic.twitter.com/OiCwRDJ1ks
— Jeremy Vine (@theJeremyVine) May 6, 2017
A van driver who was filmed forcing a cyclist off the road has been sacked by his employer.
Footage of the driver of a Vidette UK Ltd van swerving into a cyclist, and causing them to ride into the grass verge, appeared online on Saturday.
The cyclist appears to maintain their composure and remain upright, rejoining the road after the van passes.
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The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday, April 30, on the A272 road, which runs through Sussex and Hampshire. It appears as though the van driver is upset at the cyclist's road positioning, although no explanation has been offered.
As a result of the video being distributed widely online, Vidette UK received numerous messages requesting that they take action over the incident.
BBC presenter and cyclist Jeremy Vine shared the video via Twitter, saying: "It actually takes practise to drive as badly as this."
Ian Frazer, managing director of Surrey-based refurbishers Vidette UK, published an apology on the company's Facebook page on Sunday saying that the driver had been dismissed as a result of the incident.
"My wife and I are both very keen cyclist ourselves so fully appreciate the impact/trauma that a near miss like this would have on anyone in this situation," wrote Frazer.
"I have now interviewed the driver and can honestly say the he is so full of remorse and fully understands how lucky he and the cyclist have been on this occasion and swears to never let himself get into a position like this again He stated that he was having personal problems with his family and his mind “was all over the place” and that he is so sorry.
"I do believe him and could tell his apology was genuine, however we cannot condone nor let this behaviour have any place within our company, we have decided to make an example here and to promote driver awareness going forward. He has been dismissed from immediate effect!"
Frazer continued: "I hope this letter will also be of comfort to the other road users & cyclists who have written their concerns."
Frazer stated that all his company's drivers will now attend a 'Driver Alertness Education' course.
