BUS drivers face being sacked for using a mobile phone when behind the wheel, transport bosses have warned.

Workers at Stagecoach, which runs services throughout the town, are being told to leave their handsets alone when taking passengers to and from their destinations.

It follows complaints by members of the public alarmed at seeing drivers chatting at the wheel.

Bosses at the company have issued letters to all drivers warning them of the consequences.

Spokesman Nigel Barratt said: "The use of mobile phones while driving a moving vehicle is against company policy.

"Any driver caught using a phone will be subject to the company's disciplinary procedure and could be sacked, although each case will be judged individually."

Using a phone while driving is not a criminal offence but the company is acting ahead of likely Government legislation being drawn up to stop drivers talking on handsets while at the wheel.

Stagecoach drivers carrying schoolchildren are issued with mobiles in case of an accident but they are strictly for use when the vehicle has stopped.

A police spokesman said: "Using a mobile phone in a moving vehicle may not be a crime in itself but any driver could be charged with driving without due care and attention if caught.

"If he is driving a bus full of passengers he will not in proper control of the vehicle which is obviously very dangerous."