Police have launched a probe after a transport minister was seen using a mobile phone while driving a vintage bus in London.
Lord Peter Hendy, the rail minister, has apologised “in full for this error of judgment” which occurred during a charity tour last month.
He was driving an old Routemaster bus, which he owns, at the time.
He is now likely to receive a fine and six points on his licence.
He was reported to police on March 31 by one of the passengers on the bus, after he texted a friend about a prostate cancer test while driving.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the investigation was initially closed due to lack of evidence.
But this has now been reopened after Lord Hendy admitted using his phone behind the wheel.
The former Transport for London executive has given a tour in the bus for the last three years to raise money for charity on behalf of the Railway Family.
A spokesperson for Lord Hendy said: “Last month Peter Hendy used his phone while driving. He has apologised in full for this error of judgment and has contacted the police.”
The organisers of the Railway Family fundraiser said the group had “always been grateful to Lord Hendy” for his support and had not received any formal complaint about him at the time.
It said: “Since then, the organisers have only had one conversation from the complainant in the form of a text message, which he sent on April 2, where he informed us that he’d reported Lord Hendy to the Metropolitan Police.
“The Railway Family fundraiser is run by railway professionals, all of whom work with safe systems of work and rules and regulations about safe practice.
“None of us would advocate or condone unsafe practices. However, we reiterate that we are not aware of the whole situation and affirm our hope that any investigation is able to be conducted fairly.
“The organisers regret that a positive and enjoyable event ended in this way and would once again like to express our thanks to Lord Hendy for his support for our event and fundraising.”
