BUS and coach firms who fail to meet safety standards are to be targeted with a set of tough new regulations.

Lancashire County Council is worried about the number of companies whose vehicles fail safety standards and are issued with warnings.

They have been warned in recent months after their coaches were found to have faulty doors, oil leaks, damaged exhausts and broken lights.

Several firms have also been in trouble after it was revealed drivers were not giving tickets to children who had paid the full fare.

But because of a loophole in the system run from County Hall, operators issued with large numbers of warnings can still apply for new contracts.

Council bosses are keen to close the loophole and are considering banning companies who have been given a final warning from taking on new contracts.

If the changes are agreed operators could only take on new work after getting rid of its existing contracts.

The ban would be seen as a 'halfway' stage so companies could be monitored to check no further breaches take place.

Things would go back to normal after the formal warning has run out 12 months after being issued.

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