THE majority of vehicles checked as part of a campaign to highlight the state of vehicles on the roads had defects.

A total of 92 vehicles were stopped between February 9 and 11 and 86 minor offences were detected.

Officers from the Roads Policing Unit and the Special Constabulary - in partnership with Customs and Excise and the PSV Centre run by the Department of Infrastructure - carried out the checks.

Inspector Mark Britton and Sgt Dave Dobbie said: "This was a quick campaign to highlight the state of vehicles on the road.

"Over three days nearly 100 vehicle drivers were stopped and a high level had defects on their vehicles.

"Whilst most of these defects were minor in nature it highlights a trend towards vehicle owners not taking care of their vehicles.

"We will continue to work with our partner agencies to reduce the level of casualties on our roads by ensuring that vehicles are safe."

Customs and Excise is warning that the use of red diesel in road vehicles is strictly regulated and drivers found to be using it on the road risk the possibility of their vehicle being seized and criminal prosecution.

In terms of the campaign Mark Pattison, of the Department of Infrastructure, said: "This, once again, highlights that working in partnership brings success and vehicles with offences are identified and dealt with."

The full results

February 9: Braddan Bridge – 36 vehicles stopped,  35 minor offences detected. Roadside cautions were given and one fixed penalty notice was handed out for someone not wearing a seatbelt,

February 10: Main Road, Ballasalla – 35 vehicles stopped, 35 minor offences detected. Roadside cautions were given and two vehicles were reported for vehicle licence offences and one was reported for having two defective tyres

February 11: Auldyn School, Ramsey – 21 vehicles stopped, 16 minor offences detected. Roadside cautions were given and one driver was reported for having no R plates and and a defective tyre.