SAVING lives is the driving force behind the police authority's latest campaign to check the tyres of motorists across the county next week.

Drivers may face prosecution if they are found by Road Policing Group officers and Tyre Industry Council (TIC) experts to be travelling with dangerous tyres.

"This is about nothing more or less than saving lives. It is as simple as that," said Sergeant Nigel Atkinson, who is organising the campaign.

"It is essential that motorists keep their vehicles roadworthy, and tyres are an obvious place to start.

"The reality is that worn tyres are dangerous and can cause crashes."

Officers and TIC tyre specialists will be situated at eight secret venues across North Yorkshire ready to pull over cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles and give free advice and guidance to drivers.

"They can take this as a warning that next week officers across the county will be on heightened alert for dangerous tyres, and that static checks will be held without warning," said Sgt Atkinson.

"Anyone whose vehicles are not fit for the road had better get their tyres replaced quickly or they could face prosecution."