Cleveland Fire Brigade’s popular ‘drive-thru’ vehicle safety check events are returning this winter to help keep everyone safe on the roads.
The Brigade along with the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership has announced three dates across the area to help ensure residents’ vehicles are winter-ready.
The drop-in sessions will take place from 10am – 3pm at the following locations:
- Redcar Fire Station – Saturday 9th November 2024
- Hartlepool Fire Station – Saturday 16th November 2024
- Coulby Newham Fire Station – Saturday 30th November 2024
The events will offer motorists checks on tyres, lights, wipers, fluid levels and washer bottles – and they can even pick-up a free goody bag and screen wash top up.
At last year’s winter vehicle check event at Redcar Fire Station, almost half of the vehicles that were checked identified one or more issues that required attention, ranging from exhaust issues to frayed wiper blades and tyre treads on the limit.
Failing to properly maintain vehicles could put motorists at risk, especially in the treacherous winter conditions where there is likely to be ice and snow on the roads.
Matthew Lidster, Road & Water Safety Coordinator at Cleveland Fire Brigade, said, “We’re encouraging drivers to join us at one of our winter vehicle check events to ensure their vehicles are fully prepared for the cold winter ahead. These quick checks are an easy way to get your vehicle road-ready, topped up and good to go. A broken-down vehicle on the road doesn’t just impact you – it can also put others at risk.”
“Remember to keep a winter kit in your vehicle. Essentials include an ice scraper, de-icer, warm clothing, and sturdy boots. Sunglasses are also useful for dealing with low winter sun, which can reduce visibility.” Added Matthew Lidster.
Sergeant Mark Kewley from Cleveland Police, said, “It is really important that if someone has a break down or an emergency in their vehicle that they have the essential items to stay safe, particularly during the winter months when lighting can be poor and it can get extremely cold outside.
“We would encourage all drivers to check over their vehicle, or take it to a local garage that could do it for them. It could make all the difference in the ice and snow and our priority is to help keep people as safe as we possibly can.” Added Sergeant Mark Kewley.
The Brigade is a member of the Cleveland Road Safety Partnership and has teamed up with Kwik-Fit and Redcar and Cleveland College, Hartlepool College and Middlesbrough College to carry out the checks.
They will also be joined by Sustrans Walking and Cycling Hub who will be on hand at all the events to provide residents with bike safety checks and information.
If you are unable to come along to our events and have concerns, remember most reputable garages offer a free winter check to help keep you safe on the road.
