An investigation is underway after a bus driver was seen eating a packet of crisps as he drove down the Acle Straight.

Eastern Daily Press: The X1 is the flagship cross country bus service in the region which connects Peterborough to Lowestoft. Photo: First Bus/Archant LibraryThe X1 is the flagship cross country bus service in the region which connects Peterborough to Lowestoft. Photo: First Bus/Archant Library (Image: Archant)

The incident happened on the X1 bus travelling on the A47 towards Great Yarmouth on May 4 at about 5.40pm.

A worried passenger filmed the driver on her mobile phone and sent the evidence to First Bus, the operators of the Peterborough to Lowestoft cross country service, when she got home saying she was furious.

MORE: Police continue to investigate fight which led to a bus driver being suspendedIn an email response, a customer relations agent for First Bus said they were sorry to hear about what happened.

Eastern Daily Press: The Acle Straight is the name for the seven-mile stretch of the A47 which connects Acle to Great Yarmouth. It is a national speed limit trunk route which runs parallel to water-filled ditches either side. Picture: James BassThe Acle Straight is the name for the seven-mile stretch of the A47 which connects Acle to Great Yarmouth. It is a national speed limit trunk route which runs parallel to water-filled ditches either side. Picture: James Bass (Image: Archant Norfolk Photographic � 2012)

He added: 'I can imagine how alarming it must have been for you. We train all our drivers extensively, and they are well aware of the standards we expect of them at First.

'I would like to assure you that we take reports like these very seriously indeed. Please be assured that using the information you have provided, we have identified the driver and we will undertake a review of this matter.

'While I cannot go into detail as to what specific action will be taken for confidentiality reasons, it will reflect the seriousness of your complaint, in conjunction with the outcome of the investigation.'

He added: 'All our buses are fitted with a 'drive green' system which monitors the drivers' acceleration, braking and manoeuvring. If our drivers fall short of the high standards we train them to, the system will alert us by going from green to amber or red. We can then investigate and, if there is a problem, take steps to stop it happening again.'

A First Bus spokesman said the safety of their customers is their highest priority.

He added: 'We do not tolerate any action from any employee that may compromise the safety of our customers. Drivers must remain focused and alert at all times while in control of the vehicle and therefore, we are very concerned to learn of this allegation.

'We have identified the driver concerned and are investigating.'

A spokesman for the RAC said it was not illegal to eat while driving.

They added: 'However, if you present a significant danger while snacking on the move, the police could prosecute you for careless driving if they consider you not in proper control of the vehicle.'