More than 20 vehicles stopped in the first of this year’s police winter checks had a defect - with one vehicle being seized as it was in a dangerous condition.

’Not a great start’, was the police’s verdict following the first lot of checks as part of the annual winter vehicle check campaign to ensure vehicles are roadworthy in the colder conditions.

Starting on Monday (October 28), police officers and working partners stopped a total of 43 vehicles in two locations in the island.

Over half of these had a defect, and one vehicle was seized.

Sergeant Michael Taylor of the Roads Policing Unit, told the Manx Independent: ’The defects were mainly lighting offences.

Tyres, broken light fittings, split windscreen wipers, empty washer bottles were issues spotted.

’The vehicle that was seized was in a dangerous condition and taken to the Test Centre for a full examination. One vehicle stopped also had its bonnet tied down with rope.’

The police are urging residents to follow its ’POWDER’ advice, which means to regularly check: petrol (or diesel); oil; water; damage; electrics and rubber.

Over the next three weeks, officers from across the force will be carrying out the checks on the island’s roads to see whether vehicles are fit for the road.

The campaign states that motorists who don’t carry out regular checks to their vehicles could face penalty points and a £120 fine or court appearance.

Sergeant Taylor added: ’While we are holding the winter vehicle checks now, we frequently stop vehicles on the road.

’The only difference with the campaign is we have a multi-agency approach whereby the public service vehicle (PSV) examiners are with us and this year. Customs have also joined in the campaign.’

With the clocks going back and it getting dark earlier in the evening he said now is ’always the best time to start the winter vehicle checks campaign’.

’We will urge motorists to check their vehicle using the POWDER system. In addition to the checks many garages offer free winter checks,’ he said.