UK: Essex bus driver calls police as mother tries to pay fare in pennies

A woman with her four year old daughter, was refused permission to travel on a bus, with the bus driver calling in the police when she attempted to pay 25 pence of her fare in pennies.

Laura Pulley, 35-year-old from Canvey, Essex, was attempting to board the bus with her daughter Lola when the bus driver told her it was against the law to accept 20 pence in pennies, reported The Telegraph.

When Pulley stood her ground and refused to get off the bus, the driver eventually called the police.

The police officers who arrived at the scene gave the fare money to Pulley to board the bus, the newspaper said.

"It was the most surreal experience of my life and I can't believe it happened. He watched me count the exact money out, then he expected me and my daughter to get off the bus. I wouldn't step off so he phoned the police," said Pulley.

"They came and the policeman actually gave me the money to get on. I've complained to the bus company as I would just expect the driver to use a bit of common sense."

According to a spokesman of First Essex which operates the bus service said: "It is not First's policy to refuse travel to any customer wishing to pay with small change."

"Therefore we were concerned to learn of Ms Pulley's experience on board one of our buses. We will be contacting her directly to apologise for any embarrassment or inconvenience caused."

According to the 1971 Coinage Act, a payment of up to 20 pence can be made using 1 pence and 2 pence coins, however up to £5 can be paid using 5 pence and 10 pence coins.

The 1971 Coinage Act states:

"Subject to any provision made by proclamation under section 3 of this Act, coins of cupro-nickel, silver or bronze shall be legal tender as follows— coins of cupro-nickel or silver of denominations of more than 10 pence, for payment of any amount not exceeding £10.

"Coins of cupro-nickel or silver of denominations of not more than 10 pence, for payment of any amount not exceeding £5. Coins of bronze, for payment of any amount not exceeding 20 pence."