The police said Monday that some 4,500 cars were stopped by police in 160 road checks carried out over the Christmas and New Year week, in which 600 contraventions were issued.

Police presence on the roads was strengthened over the past week, “aimed primarily to avoid serious traffic accidents,” the police said in a statement Monday.

The inspections found that the absolute majority of drivers were following road regulations, but others were stopped because of road licensing and insurance issues. The police said that breathalyser tests were carried out and police dogs were used to search some vehicles.

Other contraventions were related to driving without a licence, use of mobile phones while behind the wheel, over-speeding, drivers who were not wearing seat belts, and cars which had tinted windows.

Some cars were towed when it was found that the driver was not carrying a valid licence, while contraventions were issued on Y-plate cars which did not have the necessary permits.

The road checks, carried out in coordination with Transport Malta, will not stop with the end of the Yuletide festivities, the police said.

A police spokesman appealed to all not to drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances, to drive carefully without excessive speed and not to use mobile phones while behind the wheel.