Defects detected in school buses

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Safety checks carried out on buses carrying children discovered some had mechanical defects so bad that they were immediately put off the road.

Central Scotland Police and the Vehicle and Operators Services Agency (Vosa) checked dozens of buses at Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling.

The five-day operation was carried out last week in a bid to make school buses safer.

A total of 48 prohibitions were issued to bus drivers.

Of that, 17 were issued for mechanical defects including four buses which had to be taken off the road immediately.

We are happy in the knowledge that when these buses left Blair Drummond Safari Park, the vehicles, drivers and crucially the youngsters themselves were safe Insp Graeme AllanCentral Scotland Police

The defects on those vehicles included a cracked wheel, loose wheel nuts, defective suspension and dangerous seats.

Replacement buses were sent out to the safari park to transport the children home.

A further 13 drivers were given time to have defects repaired while 31 drivers received prohibitions for working in excess of their hours.

Insp Graeme Allan, of the force's road policing unit, said: "The majority of the buses are from operators outside of our force area.

"These buses are travelling greater distances and that is a bigger factor where safety is concerned.

"However, we are happy in the knowledge that when these buses left Blair Drummond Safari Park, the vehicles, drivers and crucially the youngsters themselves were safe."

Eric Wilson, a parent who travelled to the safari park with children from Seaview Primary School in Belfast, praised the checks.

"We need to keep carrying out checks on buses especially where children are concerned as their safety is paramount," he said.

"We would not get on our bus if we knew it had faults but we know the company we travel with are one of the best."