Half of buses failed safety checks in northern Denmark with severe defects

Nearly half of the buses inspected during targeted police checks in northern Denmark last week were found with serious safety violations, including faulty brakes and an expired driver’s licence, DR reports.

Out of 30 buses and trucks controlled by Tungvognscenter Nord and Øst (Heavy Vehicle Centres North and East) in Hjørring and Frederikshavn, 15 were ordered for mandatory re-inspection due to critical failures. Two buses had their licence plates removed on the spot, while others were issued driving bans.

Inspections at Kragholmen in Frederikshavn and Horsevang in Hjørring revealed:

• Five buses failed due to uneven braking exceeding legal limits
• Ten buses required re-inspection for issues including faulty lights, emissions, and broken seatbelts
• Two buses had licence plates confiscated for severe brake defects
• One bus was banned from carrying passengers after 14 seatbelts were found defective
• One cargo truck with a trailer lost its plates due to brake failure and lighting issues

Police commissioner Claus Kjær-Pedersen called the findings “worrying,” noting that some brake failures were so severe that plates had to be removed immediately. In one case, a bus driver had been operating with an expired licence for six months.

“The transport industry and vehicle owners must look inward and ensure their equipment meets legal and safe standards,” Kjær-Pedersen said. “If brakes fail, serious accidents can happen—and we want to prevent that.”

North Jutland Police will continue targeted checks on heavy vehicles following the results.