One-in-four tyres are illegal at the point of replacement

According to the results of a survey conducted by Highways England and Tyre Safe, over 10 million UK motorists drive a vehicle with hazardous tyres on UK roads.

In an astonishing study, it was revealed that 27% of tyres were unlawful by the time they came to be replaced.

According to Tyre Safe, more than one-in-four cars are being driven with a tyre that could lead to a whopping £2,500 fine and three penalty points, whilst also increasing the chances of MoT failure or an accident. tyrePoor quality affects the braking and steering capacity of a vehicle.

Speaking to Fleet News about the results, Stuart Jackson, chairman at TyreSafe, said: “The tread depth survey results are a concern. Figures from the DfT show that dangerous tyres are the largest single contributory factor in accidents resulting in casualties of any vehicle defect – including brakes.

“If the number of casualties from tyre-related incidents is to be reduced on our roads, the UK’s motorists need to change their attitude to this primary safety feature and carry out regular checks to ensure their vehicle’s tyres are roadworthy.

“TyreSafe’s own research has revealed one-in-five drivers have never checked their tyres and the majority of the remaining vehicle owners do not do so on a regular basis.

“The obvious conclusion is that while one-in-four tyres are illegal at the point of replacement, a further 43% are changed before reaching 1.6mm more by good luck than good judgement. TyreSafe urges drivers to check their tyres regularly before their luck runs out.”

The findings will be of acute concern to gray fleet managers who have limited ability to assess the current status of their employees’ vehicles. Having in place effective processes for monitoring maintenance needs and road suitability for gray fleet (and owned vehicles) is an important part of a business’s corporate manslaughter policy.