Police 'badly shocked' by road worthiness of car detected in major road safey operation

Police in Magherafelt in Co Derry recently joined with the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) to conduct a road safety operation in the Magherafelt and Cookstown areas.

The operation was put in place due to the recent number of deaths on roads across Northern Ireland.

It was also focused towards the so called “boyracers” in the Cookstown area after a number of complaints were received.

DVA opened Cookstown MOT Centre so that any vehicles that were suspected to be defective could be checked.

During the operation, which ran from 8.00pm until 2.00am, 17 vehicles were tested which included two buses and 15 cars.

The tests resulted in three prosecutions, five fixed penalty notices being issued as well as two advisory notices, five prohibition notices, four suspension notices and seven defect notices.

Sergeant John Downey said "One such vehicle that gave us cause for concern was a car driven by a young male.

“It had three bare tyres and the two tyres on the front axle were mismatched.

“DVA examiners, as well as police, were totally shocked by this - DVA said that the tyres could have given way at any time which could have led to a serious injury or fatality.

“The driver obviously had no regard for his fellow passengers or for any member of the public

"From a policing point of view, this was a very successful operation and sends out a clear message that police and DVA will work together to improve road safety and prevent defective vehicles being driven on our roads.

“This partnership approach allows us to bring together different skills, knowledge and legal powers to make the maximum amount of detections.

“Our aim in carrying out these operations is to keep people safe and reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads. We spoke to a large number of motorists to make them aware of what we were soon and why, and we received a lot of support an positive feedback.

“We have seen too many deaths on our roads this year and we all need to work together to make our roads safer.

“Motorists have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with current legislation. If your vehicle is not road worthy, you are taking risks with your own safety as well as the safety of very other road user.

“We want to work together with the public and where we can will offer advice, however if your vehicle is defective you may fave the prospect of a fixed penalty notice or referral to the Public Prosecution Service.

“We also have the power to request a preliminary breath test from a driver if an offence is committed. We will continue to work with our partners to do everything in our power to make roads safer for everyone."

“As already stated 17 vehicles were inspected including 2 buses. The vehicles were driven and owned by a wide range of people.

“These included professional drivers such as the coach drivers, young males, young females, students, teachers, and one lady who had a doggie on board.

“Some faults were immediately obvious including one teacher I stopped. When he braked his reverse and indicator lights came on.. When we see a fault with a vehicle we stop to speak to the driver regardless of age, occupation or choice of motor vehicle.”