MOTORISTS are being given the chance to have their vehicle exhaust checked for excess pollution.

Until October, Middlesbrough Borough Council public protection officers will hold free tests in supermarkets and leisure centre car parks.

Motorists will be offered the chance to get their car's emissions checked against legal standards.

Commissioner for the Environment, Councillor Ken Hall, said: "These latest free testing days continue Middlesbrough's policy of giving everyone the opportunity to get exhaust pollution problems identified and put right.

"A simple, small adjustment done by a mechanic can cure most problems and this could lead to big savings and potentially avoid a fine.