Cars are being given free health checks by Merseyside police officers, to reduce the number of traffic collisions in winter.
The cars will be examined by officers from the Merseyside force’s collision reduction unit to see if their tyres and lights are suitable for the darker nights and mornings. When the motorist’s tyres are checked, they will then be entered into a draw to win a prize donated by Halfords.
The free examinations are also part of force-wide enforcement campaign aimed at reducing the number of road traffic collisions between motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Constable Phil Davis from the collision reduction team said: “These free events are all about helping motorists understand the importance in regularly checking their car or van to make sure it is roadworthy, safe and legal.
“As the nights draw in and the weather gets colder it is critical that everyone using the roads does so responsibly. Motorists are required by law to have road legal tyres that are correctly inflated and enough tread to cope in wet or icy conditions.
“Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians also have a responsibilty to make sure they can be seen by each other on the road and we will be making sure that things like car headlights, bike lights and reflective clothing are being used to maximise people’s visibility during these gloomy mornings and dark afternoons.”
Cllr Harry Smith, Wirral Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, added: “By keeping your tyres at their optimum pressure, your running costs are also reduced. Under-inflated tyres require a bigger force to make them turn, so your car uses more fuel. Additionally, tyres which are not set to their correct pressure wear out more quickly.”
The examinations and surgeries will be held outside Halfords stores on Croft Retail Park in Bromborough, Wirral on October 16th and Southport on October 22, between 10am and 4pm.