Drivers stopped by police in crackdown on tyres

Drivers were pulled in to a check zone for their tyres to be looked at

Drivers in Devon were stopped by police for spot checks on their tyres after research revealed the south west was a "high risk area".

Devon and Cornwall Police said a high number of cars and vans in the region had "defective or illegal tyres".

The Exeter operation entailed tyre checks and "driver education", with cars "removed from the road if necessary", the force said.

PC Ash Steer said poor tyre condition contributed to accidents.

PC Ash Steer said poor tyre condition contributed to collisions

He added: "We've been asking motorists to check the condition of their tyres before a journey, check that the tread depth is correct, check there's no defects in those tyres - no nails or screws.

"And just ensuring they are safe to continue their journey.

"We've seen a number of collisions where the condition of people's tyres has contributed towards that collision so we're out here today to stop motorists, speak to them, identify any defects and try and prevent those collisions from happening and people getting injured."

Alice Marchena was among motorists to have their tyres checked

Motorist Alice Marchena told the BBC she initially felt "anxious" when she was pulled over.

Expressing "relief" at the reason for the stop, she added: "We are living so busy and work and our routine that sometimes we do forget what's important to be safe.

"Obviously we do pass our MOT every year but in one year's time lots of things can happen."

The force was supported in its operation around Exeter by charity TyreSafe, which said the city was chosen due to it being a "high risk area for poor tyre safety".

The organisation is "dedicated to raising awareness" of the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres, the police said.

The charity's research has found that about 70% of vehicles involved in collisions had one or more defective or unsuitable tyres, it added.

The charity said having tyres in good condition reduced risk, cost and impact on the environment.

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