A CAMPAIGN has been launched to urge motorists and cyclists to check their vehicles are fit for the road.
The initiative is run by the Department of Infrastructure's road safety team and police and the department's vehicle examiners will be carrying out spot checks in the coming weeks.
The department said that as clocks go back this weekend and the nights drawing in it is vital for all vehicle owners to ensure that their wiper blades, lights, battery water, windscreen washer water, coolant and tyres are in good order for safe driving.
Infrastructure Minister David Cretney MHK said: "We are launching this campaign now to encourage people to take some extra steps to make sure their vehicles are ready for winter conditions.
"In particular, we recommend drivers need to do some basic vehicle checks before moving off.
"There will be an enforcement initiative to help ensure motorists are adequately maintaining their vehicles.
"A check of your vehicle now will help ensure you avoid prosecution and a possible fine, but more importantly may help save someone's life, including your own."
The spot checks by the police and the department's vehicle examiners aim to ensure vehicles are up to a good standard for driving.
Having defective lights, tyres, wipers or demisters may result in the issue of a prohibition or a fine which will mean that the vehicle cannot be used until the defects have been rectified and presented at the Vehicle Test Centre.
