Checking your car's tyres is a vital part of driving, and police have been doing their bit to encourage all to be safer with their habits.

Officers of Cumbria Constabulary's mobile support group and collision investigation unit has worked with Northumbria Police officers to raise awareness for tyre safety – and take part in a joint operation to keep drivers safe.

On Friday (October 9), the team set up checkpoints along the A69 to check vehicles' tyres.

And out of 200 checked, only two were found to found have defects – a good outcome for Inspector Steve Minnikin.

"This operation was not just to enforce but to educate drivers on the dangers of not maintaining their vehicles," he said.

“It was good to see [that] many drivers are conducting the essential checks needed on their vehicles."

He added: "It’s important that drivers take responsibility of the condition of their vehicles.

“A simple check on your tyre condition, tread and pressure should be done as least monthly or before a long journey.

“Your tyres are constantly in contact with the road and if they are defective they could have a contributing factor in causing fatal or serious injury to you or other road users.”

Officers also held a week-long campaign as part of tyre safety month, reminding the public to check their tyres and remain safe when on the roads.

All drivers are urged to check the air pressure, condition – including bulges, cuts or cracks – and tread depth of their tyres.

Sergeant Paul McIntosh, of Northumbria Police’s Motor Patrols Department, said: “Operations like this are vital as they help to raise awareness of the importance of why it’s important to keep our vehicles in good condition.

“We will continue to work with our partners in Cumbria Constabulary to ensure the A69 remains a safe route for all motorists and that those using this road are responsible and ensure their vehicles are in tip top condition.”

Peter McCall, Police and Crime commissioner, added: “Safety on our roads is one of the key priorities for Cumbria and working alongside officers from Northumbria on a joint operation around tyre safety, is essential as we move into more wintery conditions.

“Being prepared and thinking ahead about winter driving conditions may seem obvious, but all too often such safety measures get overlooked.

“Rather than a simple glance or quick once over, it is important that people take the time to thoroughly check, make sure tyre pressure is correct and the condition and tread of the tyre is compliant.

“We should all be responsible drivers and carry out regular checks throughout the winter months to make sure that our tyres are in the best possible condition for maximum safety.”

For more advice on checking the safety of your tyres, visit www.tyresafe.org.