POLICE will be out in force next week to check the roadworthiness of vehicles as the MOT exemption issued during lockdown nears its end.

North Yorkshire Police officers will also be on the lookout for other offences such as speeding and tailgating, driving while tired, the use of handheld mobile phones and uninsured drivers.

The action comes as the six-month MOT suspension issued on March 30 nears its end.

Motorists still had to keep their vehicles in roadworthy condition and have all the other necessary documents such as tax and insurance.

Drivers who fail to do so risk being fined or having their vehicle seized.

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.

Inspector Rich Champion, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Group, said: “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.

“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.”