Police inspect islands' vehicles

Drivers on the Isles of Scilly have had their vehicles inspected during a two-day operation by Devon and Cornwall Police's road policing unit.

The joint operation with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency resulted in a total of 15 prohibition notices.

Offences ranged from minor exhaust defects to serious braking defects and included buses and taxis on St Mary's.

A police spokesman said poor vehicle maintenance was a contributory factor in a number of road accidents.

Motor patrol constable Simon Lord said: "Keeping vehicles roadworthy is an extremely important part of keeping our roads safe."

He said similar operations would be carried out in the islands to remind people vehicles had to be kept legal all year round, or drivers would potentially be prohibited from using them.