Police crack down to keep tourists safe

More than 80 minibuses, coaches and cabs have been stopped by Sussex Police in the past month to make sure holidaymakers are being carried safely.

Traffic police carried out the checks as the tourist season got under way – and a coach crash left several cars damaged and a woman injured.

The coach was found to have a number of defects, including to the brakes, steering and suspension.

The checks have focused on the roadworthiness of buses, coaches and taxis carrying holidaymakers.

Officers have also concentrated on licence and insurance offences and the number of working hours drivers have been undertaking.

Sergeant Phil Duffy, from the Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit, said: “With the summer holidays now in full swing it is important that the minibuses, coaches, taxis and private hire vehicles which carry holidaymakers around Sussex are fit to get people to their destinations safely.”

He said that the public should report vehicles that were being driven in a defective or dangerous condition.

He also urged people to report drivers who were under the influence of drink or drugs or driving in an anti-social manner.

This can be done either by telephone at 0845 6070999 or online at www.operationcrackdown.org.