A ROAD rage driver almost caused a bus crash by purposefully slamming his brakes in front of it.

The bus driver was ferrying passengers through Dunfermline but had to urgent action to avoid a collision due of the antics of Mitchell McPherson.

The Tillicoultry man, whose pregnant girlfriend was in the car with him, became incensed believing a bus had cut in front of him at traffic lights.

He then caused danger to motorists coming in the opposing direction with his dangerous driving.

McPherson, 29, of Upper Mill Street, was fined for the offence when he appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 12.

He admitted a charge of dangerous driving by straddling the centre line causing oncoming traffic to take evasive action.

The incident took place on March 2 this year on Halbeath Road, Dunfermline.

McPherson overtook the bus carrying passengers when unsafe to do so and braked sharply in front of the bus, causing the driver to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the bus and McPherson’s car were side by side at traffic lights heading east in Appin Crescent.

She told the court: “Just after the lights, the two lanes merge into one. The accused pulled out and tried to go in front of the bus, but couldn’t. He then straddled two lanes, flashing his lights at the bus driver, upset that couldn’t pass.

“Further along the road, he overtook the bus then braked. The bus driver had to brake sharply to avoid a collision.”

The court also heard that McPherson works as a scaffolder/driver but was likely to lose his job as a result of this case.

In sentencing, Sheriff Richard McFarlane told the accused: “I can’t understand what you thought you were going to achieve by stopping the bus.

“This incident has all the hallmarks of what is not encouraged. Courtesy on our roads is the starting point.”

McPherson was fined £800. He was also disqualified from driving for a year and will have to pass the extended test before he can drive again.