Checks to cut young driver deaths

Young motorists in Cumbria face roadside vehicle checks in an effort to cut deaths among drivers aged 16 to 25.

The Carlisle and Penrith areas of the county are being targeted by Cumbria Police and staff from the Vehicle Operators Standards Agency (VOSA).

The force said research showed the number of young people killed on the roads rose as winter approached.

A spokesman said vehicles found to be mechanically defective would be taken off the road.

The spokesman said: "Officers have to deal with the horrific aftermath of collisions involving young people, so we do everything in our power to prevent these incidents from happening.

"Young people need to take responsibility for driving safely and respecting other road users, but we will try to prompt this by increasing patrols, using speed cameras and conducting stop checks.

"Our partners in VOSA have the power to prevent vehicles from being used to continue their journey."