A CAMPAIGN to encourage drivers to make sure their tyres are safe has been launched in the region.

Officers in the Durham, Cleveland, Northumbria and North Yorkshire forces are carrying out roadside checks with Tyre Industry Council experts during May.

The aim is to educate motorists about the dangers of driving with worn or defective tyres rather than prosecute them.

Yesterday, the campaign began with roadside checks at the Wellfield Weighbridge at the junction between the A181 and A19 in County Durham.

This is the third year that the campaign has been run.

Last year, 2,500 cars were checked in the region and almost ten per cent had one or more defective tyres, 14 per cent had at least one badly worn tyre and 85 per cent of drivers said they did not know the law relating to tyres.

A Tyre Industry Council spokesman said: "Defective or badly worn tyres are a contributory factor in many road accidents, particularly in the wet, and the campaign is aimed at raising the awareness of the importance of tyre safety and reducing the incidence of tyre related accidents.

"The minimum legal tread depth for cars and vans in the UK is 1.6mm. The penalty for breaking the law could be a £2,500 fine and three penalty points."

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "We do this every year in conjunction with the Tyre Industry Council.

"From a police point of view it has benefits in terms of educating drivers - that is the main aim of the exercise.

"We want to raise awareness and encourage people to voluntarily get their tyres changed if they are below the legal limit.

"But if during the checks someone was found to be driving on tyres that are dangerous they could be given, if appropriate, a fixed penalty notice and vehicle defect rectification form."

To back up the campaign, free tyre safety clinics are being held in the region. Tyre retailers are also offering free checks to drivers.