Drivers warned over dangers of popular pass

Drivers are being warned to stay safe ahead of wintry conditions after a large car meet gathered at a popular mountain pass.

Cumbria Police attended the gathering on Sunday at about 13:20 GMT at the peak of Hartside Pass in Alston, Cumbria, following concerns about dangerous driving including handbrake turns on corners.

The pass, which tops out at 1,904ft (580m), is used by many drivers travelling from Northumberland to Cumbria and is popular thanks to its views and tight bends.

Northumberland County Council's cabinet member for public safety, councillor Gordon Stewart, said despite it being a popular route, drivers needed to take care.

He said: "Driving during the winter months presents its own difficulties.

"Microclimates can occur in relatively short distances due to frost, ice or snow and leaf fall may also create dangers.

"The hours of daylight are short, and glare from other vehicles headlights can at times be very blinding. Cross-border operations are being conducted to keep people safe."

A police spokesperson said officers did not witness any inappropriate or dangerous driving while there, but found some drivers had tinted windows and incorrect number plates on vehicles.

In the UK, car window tinting rules require the front windscreen to let at least 75% of light through and front side windows at least 70%.

There are no rules for rear windows, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Car front number plates must be reflective, display black characters on a white background, use the official font, and meet specific size and spacing rules, with no custom backgrounds or removable characters.

Plates must also be clearly visible and fixed vertically.

Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram.