DRIVERS with dodgy motors could be hauled off the highways in a road safety crackdown by Warrington traffic police.

People with balding tyres, failing brakes and faulty headlights are being put on notice - clean up your act of face fines and penalty points.

Beginning on Monday, traffic officers will be conducting "roadside MOTs" in a bid to reduce the amount of road traffic accidents caused by defective vehicles and encourage motorists to check their cars for the winter months ahead.

Sgt John Hayes told the GUARDIAN that with the dark nights set to draw in, now was a good time to highlight the importance of vehicle safety.

"We have got authorised officers who can test and inspect vehicles at the side of the road and who can prohibit the movement of any vehicle they come across which they think is defective," said Sgt Hayes.

In the most serious cases - if a car or lorry is deemed seriously unroadworthy - then police can order a recovery vehicle to remove it from the road.

But if the fault can be easily remedied, such as a deflated tyre, then drivers will be issued with a Vehicle Defect Rectification Form.

The fault must then be dealt with, checked out at an approved MOT station for a nominal fee and the form returned to police within 14 days.

Minor offences will result in a stern warning while more serious misdemeanours could provoke a fixed penalty notice or a visit to court and the threat of fines and penalty points.

Added Sgt Hayes: "We are not out to persecute motorists for the number of prosecutions we can make. We are hopeful we can assist towards road safety and remind people prior to the winter months to check their vehicles.

"It is time to check lights to see they are all working, including rear lights, tyres and levels of anti-freeze."

The campaign is backed by officers from across the division and will last for a fortnight.

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