Winter checks reveal defects

WELL over half the vehicles stopped in a police operation to improve road safety during winter were found to be defective.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Traffic Network Section stopped 725 motorists on Monday in Chadderton Way, Oldham, as well as in Manchester city centre, the M62, Bolton, Wigan and Salford.

They found that 424 had vehicle defects, 33 were reported for offences and four vehicles were seized.

The focus of the operation was to check vehicles for defective lighting and tyres and provide practical advice on how to maintain your vehicle over the winter months.

Chief Insp Andy Holmes said: “I’m positive that this operation will decrease the likelihood of those 424 people getting into a collision this winter.

“Maintaining your vehicle to the correct standard could very well mean the difference between life and death.

“As the extended hours of darkness increase motorists and pedestrians are more reliant upon lighting. Defective lighting on vehicles can be a cause of collisions.”

The officers will continue to stop vehicles in the run up to Christmas and throughout the festive period.

Among the tips to ensure safe motoring in winter are:

::Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow.

::Always carry de-icer.

::Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles.

::Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order.

::Check tyres have plenty of tread depth.

Motorists are also advised to lock doors while driving and never leave their car unattended with the engine running to defrost it.