Cumbria Police are backing a month-long campaign to highlight the importance of tyre safety.

The constabulary is supporting Tyre Safety’s October campaign, in the hope it helps to reduce the number of crashes across the county.

This year’s campaign is titled ‘Don’t Chance It, Check It’.

A survey conducted by TyreSafe showed that more than one in four British motorists are replacing their tyres when they were already illegal.

If the statistics are applied to this year alonge, it would mean that potentially 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres have been on Britain’s roads.

The county's roads police say that it is essential tyres are kept in good condition through the winter as it the poor weather conditions can further highten the chance of a crash.

In particular they want people to be aware that their tyres have adequate tread depth as without it drivers may not be able to brake, accelerate, or corner properly.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference.

Driving on tyres which are below this limit is not only dangerous but illegal, and motorists can face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre.

Officers from the force's Operational Support Unit will be conducting checks on vehicles throughout the county next month.

PC Shaun McKeown said: “It is essential that people are safe when out and about on the roads. We encourage everyone to use the 20 pence test to make sure that their tyres are of legal tread depth.

“Driving with defective tyres is one the largest contributory factors to accidents.

“Furthermore making sure your tyres are roadworthy is increasingly important in the run up to winter as adverse weather conditions can affect your driving ability.

“It also is important to note that the tread grooves on your tyre help to evacuate the water from the contact patch between your tyre and the road surface so your car can grip the road properly. If the tread is worn down it can increase your chance of having an accident.

“Likewise having the right amount of pressure in your tyres can make a substantial difference. Not only does it make you safe when in your vehicle, by providing better handling and braking, it can save you money.

“Under-inflated tyres will wear out quickly, therefore increase the need to replace more frequently. Your vehicle will also use more fuel, therefore increasing your bills.

“If you are uncertain about the right pressure level, go to your local garage where they will be happy to check it for you.

“Don’t put checking off, it could save your life.”

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I welcome the proactive approach from the police as part of the TyreSafe campaign.

"Now that we are approaching the winter, with the increasing likelihood of more difficult driving conditions such as wet weather, it is more important than ever to carry out these simple checks.”

Cumbria Police's top tips for checking your tyres:

– The 20p test is an easy way to test your tyre tread this can be done simply by placing a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then your tread is above the legal limit.

– Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.

– Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles). If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

– Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.

– Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.

– While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.

– If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.