ILLEGAL and defective tyres will be the focus of attention today during a twin-pronged road safety initiative.

Police in the Ryedale area will join a team from the Tyre Industry Council (TIC) to carry out checks and offer advice to motorists.

It will coincide with the force's seventh No Casualty Day that will also concentrate on tyre safety, as well as other aspects of vehicle maintenance and offences including speeding, drink-driving and failing to wear a seat belt.

Road policing inspector Chris Charlton said the simultaneous operations were aimed squarely at saving life and limb on the roads.

"This is not just about prosecuting drivers with illegal tyres, it is also about providing sound advice and education about the dangers of worn tyres," he said.

"If tyres are defective, they can dangerously affect a vehicle's handling, which increases the risk of serious and fatal accidents."

He added: "Tyres are a vital component of vehicles and should be maintained properly and replaced promptly when necessary."

During the campaign, local tyre retailers including ATS, National Tyres, Autocare and North Eastern Tyres are offering motorists free, no obligation, tyre safety checks at their various branches.

Details of these checks can be found on the Tyre Industry Council's website, www.tyresafety.co.uk