Vehicle inspectors will be carrying out regular road side checks as part of a government road safety push.
Working with the police’s roads policing unit and neighbourhood teams, Department of Infrastucture staff are to carry out checks at various locations and times around the island.
The chief examiner, Mark Pattison, said: ‘One of the most alarming statistics is the use of temporary fuel filler caps.
‘These caps are not suitable for permanent use as they do not form a seal, they only help prevent rainwater and debris entering the tank and should only be used for a short period until a proper replacement cap is obtained.
‘Such caps may result in fuel spilling on the road surface and that can cause a danger to other road users making the road surface slippery. There is also a possible fire hazard,’ concluded Mr Pattison.
The political member of the DoI for highways, Leonard Singer MHK, said: ‘It is disappointing that some owners are not maintaining their vehicles in a road worthy condition.
‘Proper vehicle maintenance is not only essential for road safety but prevents excessive emissions and higher fuel costs.
‘I would urge vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are maintained.’
The department will carry out vehicle checks throughout the year to promote road safety and drivers are reminded that they can be prosecuted if their vehicles have serious defects.
Of the 402 vehicles checked in the winter period, 123 had no defects, however of the remainder, the following defects were identified :
Among the problems identified were: Lighting defects 210, tyre defects 63, wiper blades damaged 12, temporary fuel filler caps 7, broken mirrors 11, exhaust blowing 11 and other problems 28.
The DoI issued some safety tips for driving in hot weather. They included always making sure tyre pressures were correct, making sure there was enough oil in your car, checking coolant levels, keeping a large bottle of water in the boot. If a car overheats, the driver should pull over in and allow it to cool for at least half an hour before topping up the radiator. If they cannot stop straight away, they should open windows and turn on heaters as this may help dissipate some of the heat.