A BUS driver working the roads of Swindon has been named as Stagecoach’s Best in the West.

Michael Godfrey, who is based out of Stagecoach’s Swindon Depot is officially the company’s safest driver after all of the scores were totted up.

Michael, who lives in Cirencester, achieved the lowest score across the region, at 0.23. He was given a certificate and vouchers to mark his achievement as the driver with the best safety score in the West.

Michael said: “I love my job and I love meeting people. I’m really chuffed to have been picked as the best driver in the West.”

Rachel Geliamassi, operations director at Stagecoach West, said: “The winners are drivers who have driven in the safest, most comfortable way over the course of 2017.

"We have a best in each depot, with the lowest safety score, and an overall champion. Michael Godfrey is a fantastic guy, the best in Swindon and best in West.”

All of Stagecoach West’s buses now use the Ecodriver behaviour system to encourage smoother and safer driving.

The system uses a traffic-light LED device on the dashboard, which gives drivers immediate feedback on their manoeuvres.

As well as ensuring smoother driving, it is helping Stagecoach West reduce its CO2 emissions by three per cent a year.

Rachel said: “EcoDriver interprets everything the driver does and makes sure the driver drives green.

"This means the driver has to be smoother - more careful with braking, cornering and handling - giving customers a much better passenger experience.

“It’s really fuel efficient and the passengers love it because they get a better experience.”

To support the Ecodriver system, drivers also complete a Safe, Skilled and Fuel Efficient Driver programme as part of their training.

Joining Michael in top-spot glory was Nicholas Edwards from the Cheltenham Depot with a score of 0.37, David Cox from the Gloucester Depot with a score of 0.38, and Robert Stacey from the Stroud Depot with a score of 0.96. All of them also received vouchers and a certificate for their safe driving.

Rachel added: “Hopefully we’ve made all of our drivers feel really special today.”