Police in Norfolk and Suffolk are asking drivers to be prepared for the change in conditions as the clocks go back on Sunday.

Poorer lighting and weather conditions aid in an increase of collisions during October and November.

Officers from both forces have been carrying out roadside checks as part of an operation to improve road safety and reduce collisions. And have been focusing on factors which may impact the roadworthiness of a vehicle, such as lights, tyres and windscreens.

The checks aim to educate drivers about the risks of driving vehicles that are unsafe while also enforcing offences. The operation will run in until Sunday, November 2.

Chief Inspector Chris Spinks, head of the joint roads policing unit, said: 'The rise in collisions at this time of year can be down to a number of factors including lighting defects, poorer weather conditions and people not used to driving in the dark.

'We know that one of the main causes of collisions at this time of year is drivers not looking properly and this operation is about raising awareness among motorists to prevent these incidents from happening.

'These may seem minor issues to some drivers but if you drive a car with one headlight out you are effectively reducing your visibility by half and the chances of being seen.

'It is also important to make sure your vehicle is fit for winter conditions; make sure lights and windscreen wipers are working, that your tyres have sufficient tread and regularly top up the windscreen wash.'