Two-thirds of vehicles stopped fail winter checks

Police will be carrying out the checks across the island until 16 November

More than two thirds of the vehicles stopped on the first evening of the Isle of Man Constabulary's winter checks had defects, the force has said.

The spot-checks, which are carried out across the island each year as the nights draw in, saw officers carry out the first inspection in Crosby.

The Roads Police Unit said, of the 27 vehicles examined, 18 had lighting and other minor defects, while another had a tyre that was "so badly worn the inner cords were exposed".

The driver of that vehicle received a fine and penalty points, while the others were issued with Vehicle Defect Rectification Notices.

The roadside checks, carried out randomly around commuter times, are a collaboration between the police, the customs and excise division and the vehicle test centre.

The force said the message to drivers was to "make sure you and your vehicle and safe and legal to be on the roads" or face potential prosecution.

Launching the winter checks earlier this week, the force issued a checklist for drivers to follow, which included checking fluids like oil, coolant, antifreeze and fuel or electric levels, tyre treads and lights.

Drivers were also urged to make sure documents, including driving licence, insurance, tax and registration, were up to date and they themselves were fit to drive before getting behind the wheel.