School buses given all clear

Since April 11, officers from Swindon police have visited 10 schools in the town to spot-check vehicles from 72-seater double-decker buses to taxis to assess their roadworthiness.

The initiative, called Operation Coachman, involves the officers working alongside Swindon Council and the government body the Vehicle and Operators Service Agency.

This morning checks were being carried out at Commonweal School in Old Town where a number of minibuses and taxis were inspected.

PC Chris Woodhouse, of Swindon traffic police, said: "Throughout the whole fortnight that we have been doing this, the majority of problems have been minor, mechanical problems such as oil leaks and lack of first aid kits in some vehicles.

"We are taking drivers by surprise, but this is more of a gentle reminder to make sure such problems are sorted out. We do follow it up to ensure that the remedial action is taken and usually within a few days it is."

Around 120 vehicles have been checked but not one has had to be taken off the road.

PC Woodhouse said: "I think going back a number of years it's clear that standards are improving.

"A few years ago we were finding vehicles with major faults and this year that has not happened."

Drivers of school transport said they welcomed the checks.

Tony Yates, a driver with Swindon-based Dial-A-Ride, had been delivering children in a Mercedes minibus.

He said: "It's a good idea, certainly not a nuisance. It's important that these vehicles are safe.

"At our firm we have a checklist system, to inspect the bus before it goes out.

"If a problem is found it doesn't go out on a job it's sorted out there and then."

Patrick Lane, a driver with Link Radio cars, was also dropping off children in a Ford Connect van and agreed.

"It's a good idea and personally I think every vehicle including private cars should also be checked in this way," he said.

Full details of the operation's findings are due to be released next week.