Dozens of drivers pulled over in tyre crackdown

Police pulled over 137 drivers for tyre spot checks in Bolton

Dozens of drivers have been pulled over and four people arrested during a police crackdown on driving with defective tyres.

Greater Manchester Police stopped 137 drivers in Bolton for spot checks during Friday's operation and said defective tyres carry "just as much risk as using a mobile phone behind the wheel".

Officers gave two of the drivers prohibition notices stopping them from continuing their journey because of the state of their tyres.

Police also arrested four people during the spot checks for other driving offences including driving while disqualified, and drug driving, while one person was arrested for immigration-related offences.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency later issued a further seven prohibition notices to drivers for tyre offences after they were reported by police.

Another three drivers were given 10-day suspensions.

'Crucial'

Insp Paul Cox of Greater Manchester Police said: "As we head into autumn and winter, wet and icy conditions make safe tyres more crucial than ever.

He said: "Please check your tyres monthly – look for visible damage and use a tyre gauge to check tread depth. If you're unsure, visit a local garage for a professional check. Don't take any risks."

Following the operation, police also reported: 18 drivers not wearing seat belts, three drivers using mobile phones, 10 vehicles with illegal number plates, five vehicles being driven with no insurance and eight with illegally-tinted windows.

The operation was run by the Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership, which is made up of Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Police and the region's 10 local authorities.