MOTORISTS are being warned to tread carefully as police launch a month-long clampdown on defective tyres.

The blitz will last for the month of June and is aimed at improving road safety as well as educating drivers about the dangers of using illegal tyres.

Officers throughout the county will check vehicles for defects and offer advice about safety and law and motorists also risk being reported for summons.

Force accident prevention officer Inspector Peter Stas said: "It is very important that drivers regularly check their tyres for wear and make sure the pressures are right.

"Tyres provide the vital contact between the vehicle and the road surface which affects steering, braking, acceleration and general handling. "Our aim is to improve safety on the roads by concentrating on driver behaviour and vehicle roadworthiness, with a view to reducing the number of avoidable accidents and tragic loss of life."

The legal minimum tread depth for tyres on cars and light vehicles is at least 1.6mm in a continuous band around the entire circumference and across the central three-quarters of the width.

Tyres must also be correctly inflated and free from cuts and bulges. Uneven tyre wear can indicate problems with other parts of the vehicle, such as steering and suspension.

Penalties for tyre-related offences range from a fine and endorsement to disqualification.

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