Baildon driver is fined over collision with bus at Kilnsey (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Baildon driver is fined over collision with bus at Kilnsey

10:00am Saturday 12th January 2013 in News

A 70-year-old motor home driver from Baildon crashed into a bus causing extensive damage and drove off without stopping, Skipton magistrates heard.

Brian Smith told the court yesterday he had clashed mirrors with the Pride of the Dales bus on the B6160 at Kilnsey but that he had done it before and not thought it serious.

The court heard that the bus driver had pulled into the side of the narrow road when he had seen the cream Fiat Hymer vehicle coming towards him at 10.30am on October 22.

The motor home did not slow down and collided with the bus, which was carrying passengers, causing extensive damage put at £2,500, the court was told.

Smith was traced to his home in Heather Road, Baildon, where he told police he had driven off because he believed the bus driver had also continued on his way.

But at court, Smith admitted driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to report it.

“It was a clash of mirrors, it is something that has happened before,” he said.

“If I had known the damage had been extensive, I would have stopped.”

He was fined £125 and his licence endorsed with seven penalty points for failing to stop after an accident, £125 for failing to report one and £50 for driving without due care. He was also ordered to pay costs of £45 and victims’ surcharge of £20.