Bus driver accused of drug driving

WHAKATANE - A Bay of Plenty school bus driver has been stood down after allegedly driving under the influence of drugs.

A spokesman for bus operator Uzabus confirmed that the woman was no longer driving pending investigations by the company and the police.

Kawerau police stopped the mid-sized school bus at Manawahe, northwest of Whakatane, on Wednesday afternoon, arresting the driver.

Senior Constable Brian Parker said the woman underwent a drug-impaired driving test, which she failed. She was then required to provide a blood sample.

He said it could take three weeks or more for the blood test results to come back, and at that time police would decide whether to charge her.

A witness said the scene was "bedlam" with four police cars and children in tears.

About 18 children were on the bus at the time and alternative transport was arranged to get them home.

The incident happened just before 3.30pm after the bus had dropped children from Manawahe School home and had picked up students from Matata.

- NZPA