A POLICE campaign has shown that many of the caravans and trailers being towed through the region are unroadworthy.

Cleveland officers joined forces with Northumbria Police to carry out checks.

In a survey on Saturday, police pulled over caravans and trailers on Cleveland's roads and checked brakes, tyres, couplings and roadworthiness.

Of the 35 vehicles seen, only 12 were found to be without faults, with the remainder having defects ranging from faulty tyres and lighting to missing registration plates and corroded bodywork.

One person was arrested for driving while disqualified, while another was issued with a vehicle defect rectification form. A further 19 people received verbal or written warnings.

Data from the operation, along with figures for the number of accidents involving trailers, will be used to put forward a case for an MOT- type test for them.

Acting Inspector Stuart Craddy said: "This worthwhile campaign has shown that the vast majority of caravans and trailers towed through the force area are not in a roadworthy condition.

"This could easily impact on our casualty figures, so it's imperative that anyone towing a caravan or trailer must have them maintained.

"Drivers should check the roadworthiness of all vehicles before setting out, especially when they've been housed over the winter."

The campaign will continue for the rest of the month, with officers offering advice on maintenance matters.

Results will be fed to Northumbria Police. Cleveland officers will also pass on details of crashes involving trailers.