A POLICE road-safety crackdown has revealed the shocking truth about the state of many Blackpool-bound tourist buses and coaches.

In total 36 vehicles were intercepted and checked en route to the resort. Defects and other offences were discovered on 30 -- making the failure rate a staggering 83 per cent.

Police Sgt Brian Roberts said: "Alarmingly, 16 vehicles had to be prohibited from further use pending some remedial action to defects. Five drivers were prohibited from further driving due to excessive hours.

"Examples of defects included two vehicles with defective brakes, three with inoperative speed limiters and one with an inoperative emergency door.

"We hope this exercise has sent a clear message to all coach operators to ensure that vehicles are safe and drivers are fit to be in control."