Roads crackdown launched by police

Drivers in County Durham and Cleveland are being warned to make sure their tyres are in good shape.

National Tyre Safety Month kicked off yesterday and Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit are out and about checking tyresandhelpingremoveuninsured drivers.

Operation Drive Insured coincides with National Tyre Safety Month and willseeroadspolicing officers focusing on tackling those driving uninsured and with tyre defects.

Records show that every year more than 130 people are killed on the roads by uninsured drivers and an additional70,000personalinjury claims relating to uninsured oruntraceddriversaremade.

As well as the insurance operation, police are also focusing on supporting tyre safety.

Theaimistohighlightthe dangers around tyre defects and checking tyres, particularly as winter approaches.

Acting Inspector Steve Cylburn, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Driving without insurance is unacceptable and can have serious implications for other road users in the event of an incident. Removing uninsured vehicles from the roads can prevent further offending and keep our roads safer. “Officers will be using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. Any drivers found without insurance face having their vehicle seized on the spot, six points on their licence, a £300 fine and possible prosecution through court.

“We are also focusing on ensuring drivers are checkingtheirtyresregularlytoreduce incidents.”