Government's initiatives on tyre safety will benefit all road users

17 July 2020 | David Young

The Department for Transport's (DfT) will introduce legislation banning the fitment of tyres over ten years of age to the front wheels of lorries, buses and coaches

Government's initiatives on tyre safety will benefit all road users

The ban also extends to all wheels of minibuses unless they have a 'twin axle', which means they would have two wheels on each side at the rear.

To assist in enforcement, the age limit will be included in the MoT test of the commercial vehicles while the DVSA will now include a tyre age check as part of its routine roadside activities.

Retreaded tyres, which are commonly used across large commercial vehicles, will also be required to clearly display an age mark once further legislation is laid in the autumn.

While the DfT report 'was not designed to explore issues related to the use and sale of part-worn or second hand tyres', it does acknowledge: 'There is a strong cross-industry consensus in support of an improved market organisation for second-hand tyres that should be regulated as for new or re-treaded tyres.'

The report suggests further activity may be forthcoming to address the safety issues associated with part worns, a concern TyreSafe has been working with Trading Standards to highlight to consumers. The results of joint investigations by the UK's tyre safety charity and the authority responsible for regulating the sale of part worns were referenced as part of the consultation process which led to the latest initiatives.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: "In the same way that you wouldn't drive a car with faulty brakes, ensuring your tyres are fit for purpose is crucial in making every journey safer. Taking this step will give drivers across the country confidence their lorries, buses and coaches are truly fit for use – a safety boost for road users everywhere. This change is in no small way the result of years of campaigning, particularly from Frances Molloy, to whom I thank and pay tribute."

Source: TyreSafe