Bus drivers have been branded the rudest road users in Britain.

A survey found they were the least considerate when it came to pedestrians and other drivers.

But today Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company hit back at the report, describing it as biased.

Managing director Roger French said drivers in the city were highly trained and professional.

The motoring manners survey was conducted by the Vansunited website, canvassing 2,300 drivers.

The results showed bus drivers were the most likely to indulge in discourteous motoring behaviour, including jumping lights and showing lack of consideration for pedestrians.

When judged against their ability to observe amber traffic lights and stop in good time, almost two-thirds of bus drivers surveyed ignored signals to slow down prior to a red light - a higher proportion than any other driver, according to the survey.

Buses also fared badly when it came to courtesy towards both pedestrians and other drivers.

They were the least likely to let other vehicles out at busy junctions with one in four, 24 per cent, allowing other drivers out and almost half, 47 per cent, not stopping at designated crossings when someone approached.

Roger French dismissed the results.

He said: "The survey was carried out by van drivers so it would have been biased from the outset.

"The results do not have any reflection on the experiences of driving in Brighton and Hove.

"In fact it is often van drivers who cause problems for buses and other road users by parking indiscriminately.

"Our drivers are highly professional and have to undergo extra tests and training before they can start so they can carry out their duties effectively and safely."

The study found car drivers topped the poll for a lack of generosity to other motorists, with only one in four letting other vehicles out at busy junctions.

Of those that did allow their fellow drivers to pull out before them, women were found to be three times more likely to do this than men.

Van drivers were the most prone to verbalising their frustrations or using their horn, with almost twice as many falling foul to impatience than any other motorist.

As part of the poll, vansunited.co.uk also questioned 1,240 drivers on their own perceptions of fellow drivers.

The nation's drivers placed buses and taxis almost neck and neck, with 36 per cent of respondents rating bus drivers the least courteous on the road and 38 per cent opting for taxi drivers.

One in five of those surveyed detailed an experience of aggressive behaviour by bus drivers, including foul language, tailgating, being cut-up and similar reckless behaviour.

Vansunited spokesman Duncan Colman said: "It is interesting to see that most motorists have some flaws.

"Professional drivers, such as bus and van drivers, usually have the added pressure of having to get from A to B in a set time and would be expected to fare worse in this type of study.

"The findings show it would be advisable for bus drivers to be more mindful of the impact of their actions."

Who do you think are the rudest drivers? Leave your comments below.