Funeral driver shocked at ‘lack of respect’

HEARSE WITH BODY ON BOARD FORCED TO SLAM ON BRAKES

- By ALISON STEPHENSON

A FUNERAL car driver has issued a plea to Plymothians to show more respect for those who have passed away after rude and impatient drivers and cyclists left him “ashamed”.

Retired soldier Tony Washbrook says he has experienced cars “cutting up” the hearse he now drives for a funeral company and motorists ignoring the funeral cortege by trying to force their way between vehicles.

He has witnessed verbal abuse and threatening behaviour towards staff from drivers who cannot wait if funeral vehicles temporarily block up a road to collect family members. This was more often than not in the presence of the bereaved family - including hand gestures from cyclists.