A BUS operator based in the Ribble Valley has been banned from increasing services after four vehicles were found to have dangerous defects.

Department of Transport examiners found some East Lancashire Motor Services buses had faulty brakes, steering, transmissions and oil leaks and one even had loose prop shaft bolts.

The firm, of Whalley Road, Langho, regularly provides buses for local schools and ordinary public service runs.

Company representatives heard North Western Traffic Commissioner Keith Waterworth describe its record as "poor by any standards" when they appeared at a Department of Transport disciplinary inquiry in Manchester. A ban was imposed to prevent the firm operating any more than the 15 services it currently runs, and he warned that severe action would result if there was no improvement.

Vehicle examiner Robert Stewart said he had examined six of the firm's buses, issuing four prohibition notices after finding serious defects. A bus involved in an accident in May last year had maladjusted brakes.

Mr Stewart said he was concerned about the age of vehicles and the fact that they were worked unreasonably hard.

East Lancashire Motor Services proprietor John Haydock said maintenance procedures had been tightened up and undertook to arrange for regular brake testing.

He added that no prosecutions had resulted from the accident last May.

The transport commissioner said he was not going to have the firm running more services until he was satisfied that the maintenance of buses was right.

Mr Waterworth warned he would be asking DoT inspectors to check improvements had been made.

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