A new gas-powered bus was taken out of service - after just one day on the road.

Oxford Bus Company bosses were left fuming when the £130,000 bus - powered by liquid petroleum gas - was sent limping to the garage after colliding with another bus in Morrell Avenue, Oxford.

The accident happened as the new bus was travelling on the No 15 route between the city centre and Wood Farm.

As the driver overtook another bus going the same way, he misjudged the size of the gap and the two vehicles collided, damaging side panels.

The drivers and passengers were unhurt.

Jonathan Radley, Oxford Bus Company's marketing manager, said although the damage was slight, the bus had to be taken off the road. "We had to repair the damage to the panels and we couldn't send it out on the road as it was.

"Unfortunately, this is quite a common occurrence. It was a classic case of a driver misjudging the size of a gap. They think they can get through, and although they do most of the time, sometimes they do not manage it."

The new bus is now back on the road and will soon be joined by a second.

Both vehicles are being loaned to the company by manufacturer Arriva DAFF for a three-month trial.

The gas-powered buses join a fleet of 86 low-emission diesel buses introduced by Oxford Bus Company over the last three years. But even if trials are successful, they are not likely to become a regular sight on Oxford's roads for at least three years.

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