84 have been checked in total, as part of an 'enhanced, focused week of proactive activity across the island' which was aimed at highlighting 'the necessity of keeping vehicles in road worthy condition.

The checks were carried out by police officers and staff from Traffic & Highway Services, and of all 84 looked at, only 21 were deemed 'completely roadworthy'.

Pictured: File image. 

Traffic and Highway Services Road Safety Officer Mark Brockway said:

“To have nearly a quarter of the bikes inspected condemned is a damning statistic. This means those bikes were in such a state there was a high chance of a catastrophic failure occurring – with all the potential for a very, very serious injury resulting.

“This is not something we can leave alone, and will be rolling out a programme of spot checks across the island’s secondary schools to educate all riders on the need to maintain their machines. Let me be clear: if your bike is too dangerous to ride, we will be taking it from you – no ifs, buts or maybes. We ask parents of those with scooters or motorbikes to regularly check them, and make sure you child knows they have a responsibility not just to ride safely on the road, but to make sure what they’re riding is safe to be there in the first place.”

Road Safety lessons have also been delivered to more than 700 primary school age children over the last week, while commercial vehicles were stopped in a number of locations to ensure they were roadworthy too.

Neighbourhood Police Team & Roads Policing Unit Sergeant Jo Reynolds said:

“Road safety is important each and every day of the year. The roads are there for everyone and therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure their vehicle does not pose a danger to others. Spending a short amount of time ensuring your vehicle is safe could prevent a serious accident which has lifelong consequences for everyone involved.”

Pictured top: File image.