Royal Mail driver ‘spoken to’ about van that overtook funeral cortege

ROYAL Mail bosses have said the driver of a van which weaved in and out of a funeral cortege in Ballymena has been “spoken to”.

The firm launched an investigation after the grieving family were left angered by the incident which happened last month, as relatives were taking their loved one — a mother and grandmother — for Requiem Mass at All Saints Church. Dash cam footage from one of the cars in the cortege was posted on social media.

Declan Stephens, who was driving behind the lead car with some of the deceased’s closest family members, said the cortege was travelling around 10 to 15mph when the Royal Mail vehicle appeared.

He said he was overtaken by the van and forced to evade it just as he was about to exit the roundabout on the Cushendall Road and the driver proceeded to pass the lead car and then the hearse.

Mr Stephens said: “It’s upsetting enough having to bury somebody without having the upset of an aggressive idiot driver.

“It’s just ignorance, total disrespect for the family, for the mourners and for other road users.”

Royal Mail said it took road safety responsibilities “very seriously” and apologised for any distress caused.

Following an investigation, a spokeswoman added: “Royal Mail has investigated this matter and the appropriate action has been taken in this case, with the driver spoken to about the manner of his driving.

“Royal Mail apologises if this behaviour caused distress.

“We will also be speaking to the customer directly,” she added.

Footage of the Royal Mail van passing the funeral cortege