UK Police Begin Car Checks Over Potential Airbag Defects in Citroën Vehicles

DOWNLOAD IPFS

Police across the United Kingdom have started stopping drivers of specific Citroën models amid concerns over potentially dangerous airbag defects. The manufacturer’s warnings about issues affecting thousands of vehicles on British roads prompted authorities to take action to protect public safety.

The move comes after Citroën alerted owners of the C3 and DS3 models regarding faults in their airbag systems. According to a report by Mirror.co.uk, police are now actively pulling over drivers of these vehicles to inform them about the risk. Officials warn that more than 120,000 cars with this silent defect remain in use across the U.K.

Automotive experts from Parkers, a well-known vehicle evaluation organisation, have stressed the seriousness of the issue. “This is not alarmism,” they said, “there is a genuine risk of injury or death if a defective airbag deploys.” The concern centres on Takata airbags, which have been linked to dangerous malfunctions in several car brands globally.

The affected models include second-generation Citroën C3 cars manufactured between 2009 and 2016, and first-generation DS3 vehicles made from 2016 to 2019. The manufacturer issued what it terms a “mandatory stop order” following a fatal incident in France, where a woman was killed by an airbag deploying inside a 2014 Citroën C3 in Reims last year.

Police Action

U.K. police are now working closely with vehicle manufacturers and road safety organisations to raise awareness and encourage affected drivers to seek immediate inspection and repair. Officers stopping drivers do so to highlight the issue’s importance and help prevent potential harm on U.K. roads.

Citroën owners in the U.K. who drive the specified C3 and DS3 models are urged to contact authorised dealers or check online for recall information to confirm whether their vehicle is affected. The manufacturer is reportedly offering free repairs to address the defective airbag systems.

This development also raises questions about the monitoring and enforcement of vehicle safety standards on British roads. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing responsibility for drivers and authorities to maintain vigilance against hidden hazards.

While no government spokesperson has been quoted directly on this issue, the response from police and industry experts underscores the priority placed on public safety regardless of political considerations.

U.K. police have made efforts to identify and warn drivers of Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles that are potentially fitted with faulty Takata airbags. This proactive approach aims to avert accidents and save lives by ensuring affected vehicles are promptly repaired or removed from the roads.

Drivers should stay informed and act quickly if their car falls within the impacted models. The combination of police vigilance and manufacturer action represents a vital safeguard in addressing this serious safety defect.