Cumbrian motorists fined for faulty tyres during Tyresafe month

Throughout October, Cumbria Constabulary and other police forces around the country joined forces to raise awareness of tyre safety in the run up to winter.

During October which was dubbed ‘Tyresafe’ month, Cumbria Constabulary carried out a number of mobile and static vehicle checks, 36 people received fixed penalty notices which required them to pay a £60 fine and have 3 points put on their driving licence, and 8 people have been summonsed to court for tyre related offences.

Eleven vehicles were stopped and prohibited from being driven any further due to the condition of the tyres and the dangers they presented to the motorists and other drivers. In many cases this results in a tyre company being called out and a lengthy wait at the roadside.

PC Shaun McKeown from the Collision Investigation Unit led the campaign in Cumbria. He has worked closely with Tyresafe for a number of years and was last year’s national winner of the Annual Tyresafe Award.

He said “It’s not just the driver who can be prosecuted for tyre-related offences. The registered keeper of a vehicle has a duty to ensure that their vehicle is road worthy so checking your vehicle really is important.

“There are increasing numbers of parents who buy and insure cars for their children and may not use the car very much but still remain responsible for the maintenance and condition of the vehicle so can find themselves being prosecuted for defects.

“Tyre safety and ensuring your car is roadworthy can save lives– it can help avoid collisions and prevent you from suffering serious injuries on our roads. We always strive to improve road safety but pay particular attention to roadworthiness in the lead up to winter when conditions often worsen.”

The picture below shows a vehicle which left a road in Cumbria in wet conditions during October. The importance of checking the tyres across the whole width and not just the nearest groove to the outside can be seen by the uneven wear.

The tyre below was also found on a vehicle in Cumbria. The rubber has been completely worn away exposing the fabric and metal core of the tyre.  Each year tyres like this are the cause of serious and fatal collisions in Cumbria when they either fail to grip or blow out which can result in tragedy.

PC Shaun McKeown continued “What was noticeable during the checks that were carried out throughout October was that there are a lot more people running their vehicles on tyres with legal, but very low tread. Whilst they may be legal, it is important that motorists realise that these tyres will be a lot less effective during winter months. I would urge people to continue performing the 20p test on their tyres and if in any doubt visit a local tyre centre for their advice."

For more information visit http://www.tyresafe.org/ for more advice.

To see a video explaining more about the 20p test, visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/road-and-vehicle-safety/tyre-safety