Bus gets in a fix over sign mix up
It is a scene that is reminiscent of one of the side-splitting moments of comic smash Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, but for the driver and passengers on this Norwich bus it was no laughing matter.
The First bus was caught on camera attempting a multi-point turn in Magdalen Street, not dissimilar to the type of manoeuvre attempted by Austin Powers on a cart in the 1997 film starring Mike Myers and Liz Hurley.
The incident happened yesterday following the start of work on Monday to modify the Magdalen Street junction as part of the construction of a new cycle contraflow lane and means Magdalen Street is closed at its junction with Magdalen Gates.
Bus bosses said the driver ended up in a fix after reading no access for any vehicles 'except buses' on road signs which a City Hall spokesman has confirmed are to be 'adjusted to eliminate any ambiguity'.
Andy Manley, a director at Norwich Computers on Magdalen Street, filmed the bus as it tried to turn back down Magdalen Street.
He said: 'We saw this bus coming up here. There was another car turning round and the bus came over to the left, turned round and before you knew it there were people trying to help the driver reverse it. He reversed into the sign over the road.'
Mr Manley said they have had 'all sorts' of vehicles going up there over the past couple of days including cars and taxis.
Chris Gosbell, owner of Long's Pledge Centre, a pawnbrokers on Magdalen Street, helped the driver try and reverse after it hit the sign outside his shop.
He said: 'I went out to try and help him to make sure he didn't reverse into the building. He said thanks for helping him out. I felt a bit for him.'
A spokesman for First said they will remind their drivers about the diversions in the area following yesterday's incident.
The spokesman said: 'We can confirm that one of our buses drove along Magdalen Street on Tuesday, January 27 as the diversion signs were placed to read 'No access for any vehicles except buses'.
'We issue staff notices to all of our drivers in advance of roadworks, advising them of the diversion and the diversion route. However, in instances like this, our drivers obey signage on the roads.
'We will remind our drivers about the diversions and apologise for any inconvenience caused.'
The work, which started on Monday, is expected to last up to 12 weeks and means the section of Magdalen Street between Edward Street and Magdalen Gates has temporarily become a two-way street.
Vehicular access for businesses and residents will be allowed at all times via the Edward Street junction, which will have temporary traffic signals while buses will continue to stop at Anglia Square but divert via Edward Street towards St Augustines Street.
Have you got a story? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk
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