Arriva bus allegedly crashed into parked Peugeot ruining Rochester family's holiday to Folkestone
05:00, 28 February 2022
updated: 15:44, 28 February 2022
A single dad's holiday was ruined after a double-decker bus allegedly crashed into his parked car causing it to be written off.
Daniel Byrne of Rochester was left with no means of transport following the incident so could not take his 13-year-old son on their half term holiday to Folkestone.
He reported the incident the next day to the police and Arriva who have both said they are aware of the accident and are investigating further.
Daniel's car was parked at the side of Luton Road, Chatham while he was visiting a friend on February 14.
They received a text from a neighbour just before 6.30pm asking if anyone had a grey Peugeot as they had just witnessed a bus crash into the side of it.
The 35-year-old said: "I was pretty shocked to begin with. When I went out to see the damage my son came with me and his first response was 'take it we are not going on holiday'.
"I was angry and even more so for my son. It is majorly disappointing the timing of it.
"The driver would have been aware of this. It is the pure ignorance. She just carried on driving, she could have stopped."
The bus driver allegedly tried to "squeeze through" the tight gap between oncoming traffic and the parked cars when it struck Daniel's vehicle and scrapped the entire length of it.
The paralegal added: "The damaged caused to my vehicle was so severe it has been completely written of by the insurance company who valued it at £902.
"I am a single parent to a child with disabilities and we was planning on going on holiday for the half term, our plans were ruined.
"I am so shocked that the bus that was carrying passengers just drove of from the scene of an accident.
"Me and my autistic child were left stranded in Chatham."
The family were planning on heading down to Folkestone during the half term break but had to cancel the trip as they had no means of getting around.
Daniel continued: "We were basically stuck inside. It was something he was really looking forward to going away for the half term.
"I want some form of accountability for it and an apology and why they did not or have not got back in contact with me.
"They could have given us a bus pass to get around for a few days."
A Kent Police spokesman said the force had received a report of the collision involving a bus and a parked car and inquiries are underway to identify the driver.
A spokesman for Arriva Bus also confirmed that they are aware of the incident, and it is currently with the depot for further investigation.
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