WORN tyres can cost drivers a fine or their life.

That is the stark message behind two days of tyre examinations by Swindon police next week.

On December 6 and 7, the force will be at so-far unnamed locations in Swindon, accompanied by experts from the Tyre Industry Council.

Drivers will be stopped and their tyres checked for tread depth and pressure both potential killers if they are neglected.

One of the officers involved, Sgt Colin Conway, explained: "The law says that the minimum tread depth for car tyres is 1.6mm the depth of the tread on new tyres is considerably greater.

"Worn tyres used in wet and damp conditions can mean it takes a vehicle twice as long to stop as it would if it had safe tyres.

"But we find that 16 per cent of cars we stop will have at least one tyre with tread less than 1.6 mm deep."

Apart from the road safety question, illegal tread depth can cost drivers a £60 fine for each tyre affected.

In addition, culprits face having three penalty points added to their driving licences.

Turning to the question of tyre pressure, Sgt Conway added: "This affects the road holding characteristics of vehicles, as well as their fuel consumption.

"Fuel consumption increases if tyre pressure is less than it should be, as does air pollution.

"And the wrong tyre pressure, whether too high or too low, will shorten tyre life.

"If tyre pressure is too high, the ride may be uncomfortable, and road holding may be affected because less of the tyre is in contact with the road."

Next week's operation is part of a nationwide campaign by police forces.

The police, along with motoring organisations, say tyres are of vital importance simply because they are the only parts of vehicles that are in contact with the road.