MOTORISTS are being reminded to check their vehicle is roadworthy ahead of a large-scale policing operation across North Yorkshire.

At the beginning of coronavirus lockdown, owners of cars, vans and motorcycles were granted a six-month MOT suspension.

This means vehicles which qualified for a six-month exemption in late March and early April will need to be retested in the next few weeks, as their MOT is due to expire soon.

Drivers whose MOT ran out before April this year will be prosecuted for having no MOT.

“During this operation, officers will be checking a high number of vehicles for defects such as worn tyres and other issues that make a vehicle dangerous to drive,” said Inspector Rich Champion, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group.

“It’s five months since MOTs were temporarily suspended, so it’s important that motorists are taking responsibility for maintaining their vehicles properly.

“As ever, we’ll also be on the lookout for uninsured or untaxed vehicles. We can, and do, seize unroadworthy or uninsured vehicles and this will be one of the options during our operation.”

Officers will also be on the lookout for other hazards such as speeding and tailgating, driving while tired, the use of handheld mobile phones and uninsured drivers.

Extra roads policing resources will be deployed to key routes during week-long road safety operation, with support from police safety camera vans and other organisations such as the DVSA and Highways England.

“What is more, we know only too well that motorists’ behaviour can be as dangerous as a defective vehicle,” added Insp Champion.

“So, we will also be targeting those who put themselves and other road users at risk, whether it’s through speeding, tailgating, overtaking on solid white lines, using a handheld phone or driving while intoxicated.”

Motorists can check their MOT status at www.vehicleenquiry.service.gov.uk