Six coaches were ordered off the roads by Thames Valley Police as part of a nationwide crackdown on rogue public service vehicles.

Thames Valley Police was one of 34 forces taking part in the scheme, aimed at ensuring high levels of passenger safety at one of the busiest holiday weekends of the year.

traffic officers from Thames Valley Police and examiners from the Vehicle Inspectorate stopped and tested more than 100 vehicles at three motorway check-points, including Cherwell Services on the M40.

Six vehicles - the highest number detected by any force in the country - were given immediate prohibitions, forcing them to stop their journey.

Faults included a defective exhaust leaking fumes into the coach's interior, broken suspensions and loose wheel nuts.

A further eight vehicles were given delayed prohibition notices.

Their owners have ten days to correct the faults.

Details of coaches found to be defective will be passed to the traffic commissioners responsible for issuing operating licences.