Police Cracking Down On Dodgy Lights And Winter Car Fails

It’s officially the season where one working headlight doesn’t cut it.

As the clocks go back and darkness falls before tea time, the police have once again launched Operation Uplift (Winter Checks), a three-week campaign to tackle the epidemic of dodgy headlights, bald tyres, and windscreen wipers that smear more than they clear.

Starting yesterday (Monday, October 27) to Sunday, November 16, officers from across the island will be carrying out roadside checks and random stops with partner agencies to make sure vehicles are roadworthy and, crucially, visible.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Constabulary said: ‘Now that the clocks have changed and the nights draw in earlier, motorists will use their lights more.

‘Unfortunately during the autumn and winter months, we see a spike in vehicles with obvious defects; namely lighting offences.’

They added: ‘Operation Uplift will ensure we keep all road users safe.’

And to help you avoid an awkward chat with a hi-vis-wearing constable in the wet, police are reminding drivers of their handy POWDERS checklist – that’s Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber, and Self.

In other words: make sure your car isn’t leaking, squeaking, bald, blinding, or broken, and that you’re not too tired (or too tipsy) to drive.

Gef suggests taking five minutes this week to check your lights, tyres, and screenwash, or risk getting caught out.

Because nothing ruins a cosy winter evening faster than being pulled over for driving half-blind up the Mountain Road with only one working headlight and a prayer.