Drivers advised to check brake lights

Tuesday 04 April 2017

Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) and the Honorary and States of Jersey Police are urging drivers to check their brake lights to avoid accidents.

28 vehicles were found with defective brake lights during a routine road check that took place on 28 March between 16:00 and 18:00 on Grande Route de Mont-a-Labbé.

1,800 vehicles were examined during the road check and 32 of them were found to have defects. The drivers were issued with defect notices requiring them to present their vehicles at DVS within 7 days with the defects rectified. One vehicle had to be temporarily impounded due to extensive tyre wear but was allowed to continue its journey after the tyre was replaced onsite.

Apart from brake lights, defects were found on tyres, exhausts, lights, number plates and bodywork. Some of the examined vehicles were also found to be foreign registered vehicles, while incorrect information was discovered on some driving licences and registration documents. 

Gordon Forrest, Inspector of Motor Traffic, commented: “It is the responsibility of all drivers to ensure that their vehicles are in a roadworthy condition. Drivers should check their lights and brake lights regularly to make sure they are working correctly. Some drivers are prepared to put themselves and other road users at risk by driving defective vehicles with worn tyres and corroded or damaged bodywork.”

Driver and Vehicle Standards, Honorary and States of Jersey Police together with Customs and Immigration are planning similar road checks on various sites around the Island to improve road safety throughout all parishes.