'Unsafe' school buses are banned

Three school buses were ordered off the road after defects were found by Staffordshire police.

Fourteen coaches were checked after dropping pupils off at schools in Stafford and Uttoxeter.

Three were issued with immediate bans for faults including defective seat belts and steering.

Warnings were also issued by police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency for minor offences including not displaying school bus signs.

"The road worthiness of vehicles that are used to transport our children is a very important issue to everyone," Insp Chris Dawson said.

"We will therefore continue to carry out random checks of such vehicles in order to ensure the highest standards of safety."