POLICE stopped a group of minibuses and coaches as part of an operation to check the roadworthiness of vehicles taking children to school.

The operation, conducted in partnership with the DVSA, took place to look at the roadworthiness of the vehicles contracted by Hampshire County Council to take pupils to and from school.

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Police stopped a total of 14 minibuses and coaches at Perins School in New Alresford last week, with two defects being found and rectified at the roadside.

The DVSA issued one immediate probation notice for a tyre with the cord structure exposed, with the vehicle not allowed to leave until the defective tyre had been changed.

These defects should be identified as part of a walkabout check before use, and this would have provided an opportunity to change the tyre before beginning the journey.

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The DVSA’s head of enforcement delivery David Collings said: “Families who rely on school transport providers to get their children to and from school should expect the vehicles to be safe.

“Alongside our colleagues at Hampshire Police, DVSA carries out regular spot checks to ensure vehicles are kept in roadworthy condition and are operated legally.

“Where we find issues, we will take action to keep the local community safe.”