DRIVERS in Cumbria are being urged to check their tyres as part of a safety campaign.

Cumbria Police will be supporting TyreSafe's October campaign, with the aim to reduce the number of crashes across the county.

This year's campaign is titled ‘Don’t Chance It, Check It’, which aims is to ensure that tyres are in the correct condition.

A survey conducted by TyreSafe in partnership with Highways England estimates that in 2016 alone 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres are on Britain’s roads.

PC Shaun McKeown, of Cumbria Police, said: "Driving with defective tyres is one the largest contributory factors to accidents.

"Furthermore making sure your tyres are roadworthy is increasingly important in the run up to winter as adverse weather conditions can affect your driving ability.

"It also is important to note that the tread grooves on your tyre help to evacuate the water from the contact patch between your tyre and the road surface so your car can grip the road properly."

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference.

Driving on tyres which are below this limit is illegal, and comes with a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre if caught.

Officers from the Operational Support Unit will be conducting checks on vehicles throughout Cumbria and will enforce the law where necessary.

Top tips for checking tyres

- The 20p test is an easy way to test your tyre tread and this can be done simply by placing a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit.

- Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill. Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).

- If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.

- Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used. Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don't forget to check the spare tyre as well.

- Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread.

- Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.

- If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.