MOTORISTS have been offered the chance to have a free winter driving check as part of a major awareness campaign.

Under the slogan of “a two-minute check prevents a wreck”, the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership is calling on motorists to ensure that their cars are safe to drive ahead of winter conditions.

Today (November 1), people were able to take advantage series of basic checks, at the Parkway Centre in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, covering tyre tread and pressure, windscreen wiper blades, windscreen washer fluid, anti-freeze, the battery and lights.

A free five-point drive-through vehicle check was also available throughout the day at nearby Coulby Newham Fire Station.

Richard McGuckin, vice-chairman of the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership, said: “It must be stressed that it is the duty of us all as motorists to regularly check our own vehicles and ensure that they are properly maintained and equipped to deal with winter weather and road conditions.

“In adverse weather conditions, drivers really should think carefully about whether their journeys are absolutely essential. If they are, then drivers should ensure that they are equipped to deal with all eventualities.”