Police clamping down on unroadworthy vehicles

Thu, 16 Nov 2023

The Road Policing Unit are clamping down on unroadworthy vehicles as part of its Island wide Winter Lights operation.

Three vehicles were seized yesterday (November 15), the Constabulary said that all the vehicles were without tax, without insurance and all could have been avoided.

In addition to the cost of the seizure, fines and points await those who will now have to appear in court at a later date.

Another vehicle was stopped yesterday due to a defective light and no front registration plate.

This vehicle was notified sold and off road in the UK. It has now been prohibited from going any further by way of seizure, according to the Constabulary.

The force are recommending people use its POWDER checklist to assist with making sure you and your vehicle are fit for the road.

PETROL. (OR DIESEL)

Ensure that you have sufficient fuel for your intended journey.

OIL. 

There are various oil and fluid reservoirs and they all need checking regularly. Check yours and if you are not sure about which is fitted to your vehicle you should consult the handbook. 

WATER.

There are various water reservoirs and they all need checking regularly. Screen washer. (It is illegal to have an empty screen wash reservoir).

DAMAGE.

(Not cosmetic damage) If you have parked your vehicle in a road overnight or you have left it in a car park whilst shopping, it might have suffered some damage from other vehicles or shopping trolleys without your knowledge. Therefore a quick visual check of the fundamentals is important.

ELECTRICS.

Exterior lamps working, interior warning lamps all working and the horn is working.

RUBBER.

Tyre pressures and tyre tread depth including the spare. Tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference. Also check wind screen wiper blades and their carriers. 

YOURSELF.

Are you fit to drive? Were you partying last night? If you were ‘over the top’ last night you’ll be over the top the following day.

Are you taking medication which might dull your reaction time.

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