Police urge public to check their tyre safety

Cumbria Constabulary is supporting a national tyre safety campaign this month, and is urging people in Cumbria to get their tyres checked.

October is Tyre Safety month, and this year’s campaign by TyreSafe, a non–profit commercial organisation, is focused on asking drivers when they last had their tyres checked and asking them to ‘practice safe checks’.

A recent survey undertaken by TyreSafe revealed that more than a quarter of motorists were replacing their tyres when they were already illegal. This equates to nearly 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres on Britain’s roads in 2015.

PC Shaun McKeown said “Ensuring you have a safe tread depth on your tyres is essential. Tread depth affects how your vehicle accelerates, brakes, and corners. I would urge all motorists in Cumbria to check your vehicle’s Air pressure, Condition, and Tread depth (ACT) at least once a month. 

“Checking your tyres regularly is important all year round, but it is particularly significant as we head towards winter and possibly dangerous weather conditions. You owe it to yourself, your family and friends, and other road users, to make sure your tyres are safe.

“Please don’t put it off – checking your tyres could potentially save lives.” 

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

• Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
• Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.
• Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
• If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.
• Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.
• Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
• While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
• If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

More information can be found on www.tyresafe.org

Tyre safety success in south Cumbria

Officers from Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit have been running a series of vehicle stop checks in the Kendal and Barrow areas during October as part of the ‘darker nights’ initiative.

The initiative aims to raise awareness of the need to ensure that  vehicles are maintained and prepared for the darker nights and deteriorating driving conditions as winter approaches.

During the checks, vehicle tyres were examined and drivers were given advice regarding the importance of monitoring tyre condition. All the drivers stopped were issued with a tyre depth gauge and key ring provided by TyreSafe, who work in partnership with police to promote tyre safety.

Nearly a hundred vehicles were stopped and had their tyres checked by the officers. The checks resulted in advice being given to a number of drivers whose tyre tread depth was just above the legal minimum tread depth.

PC Richard Wiejak, one of the Constabulary’s Collision Investigators, said, “It was encouraging to see that the messages regarding tyre condition and the dangers of worn tyres are  getting through to motorists. None of the vehicles stopped had illegal tyres and no drivers had to be reported for tyre offences.”

Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before any long journeys.

The correct pressure settings for vehicles can be found inside the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate on the driver's door sill.

Alternatively you can search TyreSafe’s online database, at www.tyresafe.org by simply entering the vehicle's registration number.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. Driving on tyres which are below this limit is not only dangerous but illegal and you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre. 

Police issue tyre advice for wet weather driving

Police are supporting a national initiative on tyre safety in wet weather conditions in a bid to reduce to the number of road collisions across the county.

Cumbria Constabulary is supporting Tyre Safety Month throughout October. This year’s campaign by TyreSafe, a non–profit commercial organisation, is on ensuring tyres are in the correct condition to combat wet conditions.

2013 was the wettest winter in the UK on record and in wet weather, it's essential that your car's tyres have adequate tread depth. Without it, your safety on the road will be compromised and you may not be able to brake, accelerate or corner properly.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference. Driving on tyres which are below this limit is not only dangerous but illegal and you could face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each tyre.

Officers from the Operational Support Unit will be conducting checks on vehicles throughout the county and will enforce the law robustly where necessary.

PC Shaun McKeown said “It is essential that people are safe when out and about on the roads. We encourage everyone to use the 20 pence test to make sure that their tyres are of legal tread depth.

“The tread grooves on your tyre help to evacuate the water from the contact patch between your tyre and the road surface so your car can grip the road properly.

“The right amount of pressure in tyres can make a substantial difference. Not only does it make you safe when in your vehicle, by providing better handling and braking, it can save you money.

“Under-inflated tyres will wear out quickly, therefore increase the need to replace more frequently. Your vehicle will also use more fuel, therefore increasing your bills.

“If you are not certain about the right pressure level, go to your local garage who will be happy to check it for you.

“Don’t put checking off, it could save your life.”

Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before any long journeys.

The correct pressure settings for vehicles can be found inside the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate on the driver's door sill.

Alternatively you can search TyreSafe’s online database, at www.tyresafe.org by simply entering the vehicle's registration number.

Police & Crime Commissioner Richard Rhodes said “The issue of road safety is raised often when I meet with members of the public. I welcome the proactive approach from the police as part of the TyreSafe campaign.  It is important that we all heed this advice especially during more difficult driving conditions such as wet weather.”

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

• Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
• Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.
• Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
• If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.
• Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.
• Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
• While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
• If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Advice about road safety will be tweeted throughout the month from the Constabulary’s Operational Support Unit Twitter account - @CumbriaRoadsPol. Join in the conversation by using the hashtag #CumbriaRoads.

It's Tyre Safety Month

October is Tyre Safe month and this year the focus is on checking tyre pressure.

Cumbria Constabulary is supporting tyre safe month throughout October. This year’s campaign by ‘Tyresafe’, a non–profit commercial organisation, is on correct tyre pressure.

Under-inflated tyres are more likely to suffer a dangerous blowout, typically at high speed on a busy motorway or main road.

Also, correctly inflated tyres will last longer, using less fuel and providing better handling and braking. This all helps to reduce the chances of people being involved in an accident.

PC Shaun McKeown said: “It is essential that people are safe when out and about on the roads. We encourage everyone to use the 20 pence test to make sure that their tyres are of legal tread depth. This year we are also highlighting the message to make sure they are correctly inflated.

“The right amount of pressure in tyres can make a substantial difference. Not only does it make you safe when in your vehicle, by providing better handling and braking, it can save you money.

“Under-inflated tyres will wear out quickly, therefore increase the need to replace more frequently. Your vehicle will also use more fuel, therefore increasing your bills.

“If you are not certain about the right pressure level, go to your local garage who will be happy to check it for you. Advice about tyre safety will be tweeted throughout the month from the Cumbria Roads Policing Twitter account, @CumbriaRoadsPol.

“Don’t put checking off, it could save your life and money.”

Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before any long journeys.

The correct pressure settings for vehicles can be found inside the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate on the driver's door sill.

Alternatively you can download TyreSafe's free iPhone pressure checker app, or search their online database, at www.tyresafe.org by simply entering the vehicle's registration number.

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

• Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
• Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.
• Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
• If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.
• Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.
• Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
• While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
• If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Save your life with twenty pence– check your tyres!

 October has been dedicated by Cumbria Police as Tyre Safety month and drivers will be urged to check their tyres to ensure they are safe and legal before the winter weather sets in.

Sadly, each year, dozens of people are killed and hundreds are seriously injured across the UK as a result of collisions caused by illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.

By simply using a twenty pence piece, however, everyone can check the tread on their tyres and potentially prevent another tragedy.

Police officers will be out and about across the county to encourage people to check their tyres, and will be on the look out for motorists driving on illegal or dangerous tyres during stop-checks.

PC Shaun McKeown, a Forensic Vehicle Examiner with Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit, said “Road safety is a priority for police in Cumbria and it only takes a few minutes to check tyres by using 20p and by doing so could prevent a tragedy.

“All too often in Cumbria we hear about people’s lives being ruined by serious road traffic collisions, and this is even more devastating when we investigate them and it becomes apparent that it was caused by something as avoidable as a defective tyre.

“We will be out and about conducting stop checks across Cumbria to educate drivers about the risks. Motorists found to be driving on illegal tyres face a maximum penalty of three points per tyre on their license and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.

“It’s such an easy thing to check, and we should all look at our tyres as a matter of routine, maybe when you’re washing the car or when checking the pressure of your tyres.

“We are really keen for parents to instil the importance of vehicle maintenance on their teenage children when they begin driving as well, and would ask people to spread the tyre safety message to family and friends. You never know – you might save a life.

“It is simple to check your tyre tread, you only have to insert a 20p in the trend and if you can see any of the rim around the edge then you need to be getting your tyres checked. We understand not everyone will be confident in checking them, or if you do the test and you’re not sure, visit your local garage as the vast majority will inspect your tyres for free.”

As part of the campaign officers will be also working with Trading Standards to check on the selling of part-worn tyres to unsuspecting members of the public.

PC McKeown continued “We are committed to checking every aspect of tyre safety and will be looking at local garages to make sure that the tyres which are being sold are fit for purpose. In these financially difficult times, it is understandable that people will look to save some money and buy a tyre which they believe is ok but at a cost price. We want to make sure that people are not putting their lives at risk.

“We have to deal with the horrific aftermath of collisions on a daily basis and defective or unsafe tyres can often be a contributing factor. We hope that this campaign will get people to stop and think about their vehicles, provide them with the information they need to check their own tyres and hopefully, when they go home they’ll take the time to examine their tyres which may save lives in the future.

“As the nights get darker and the weather wetter, I can guarantee there will be many more drivers who will lose control as a result of driving around on worn or damaged tyres – don’t let you or your loved one be one of them – check your tyres now.”

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

· Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.

· Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.

· Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).

· If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.

· Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.

· Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.

· While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.

· If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Cumbria police are working in connection with ‘Tyresafe’ a non–profit commercial organisation to raise as much awareness for the campaign as possible. www.tyresafe.org

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

Save a life for twenty pence – check your tyres!

Cumbria Police will launch a month long campaign next week, urging drivers to check their tyres to ensure they are safe and legal before the winter weather sets in.

Sadly, each year, dozens of people are killed and hundreds are seriously injured across the UK as a result of collisions caused by illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.

By simply using a twenty pence piece, however, everyone can check the tread on their tyres and potentially prevent another tragedy.

To help promote this simple message, October has been designated as Tyre Safety Month, when police officers will be encouraging people to check their tyres, and will be on the look out for motorists driving on illegal or dangerous tyres during stop-checks across the county.

PC Shaun McKeown, a Forensic Vehicle Examiner with Cumbria Constabulary’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Road safety is a priority for police in Cumbria and we are determined to prevent another tragedy by getting people to take a few minutes to check their tyres, and get them changed if they don’t meet the 20p tread test.

“All too often in Cumbria we hear about people’s lives being ruined by serious road traffic collisions, and this is even more devastating when we investigate them and it becomes apparent that it was caused by something as avoidable as a defective tyre.

“In a bid to prevent another tragedy, we will be out and about conducting stop checks across Cumbria to educate drivers about the risks. Motorists found to be driving on illegal tyres face a maximum penalty of three points per tyre on their license and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.

“It’s such an easy thing to check, and we should all look at our tyres as a matter of routine, maybe when you’re washing the car on a Sunday morning.

“We are really keen for parents to instill the importance of vehicle maintenance on their teenage children when they begin driving as well, and would ask people to spread the tyre safety message to family and friends. You never know – you might save a life.

“To check the tread on your tyres, use the 20p test. Simply insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your vehicle’s tyres. If the outer rim of the coin is covered by the tread, this indicates sufficient tread depth to be safe and legal. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, or if you are not sure, have your tyres inspected by a qualified professional.”

Click here to view a video showing you how to take the 20p test: http://bit.ly/phbC9j

Cumbria Constabulary is recognised as a leading police force when it comes to tackling road safety, and this year won a national award for ‘Outstanding achievement towards tyre safety’, which was presented to the force by TyreSafe.

PC McKeown said: “We have to deal with the horrific aftermath of collisions on a daily basis and defective or unsafe tyres can often be a contributing factor. We hope that this campaign will get people to stop and think about their vehicles, provide them with the information they need to check their own tyres and hopefully, when they go home they’ll take the time to examine their tyres which may save lives in the future.

“As the nights get darker and the weather wetter, I can guarantee there will be many more drivers who will lose control as a result of driving around on worn or damaged tyres – don’t let you or your loved one be one of them – check your tyres now.”

Top Tips for checking your tyres:

·   Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.

· Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.

· Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).

· If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.

· Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.

· Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.

· While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.

· If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Click here for further road safety info: www.cumbria.police.uk/roadsafety

It’s a fair cop – Cumbria police win TyreSafe annual award

Cumbria Constabulary has been awarded the prestigious TyreSafe outstanding achievement award for 2011 for its ‘tireless’ campaign work promoting tyre safety.

The accolade was presented by Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe to PC Shaun McKeown, Forensic Vehicle Examiner for Cumbria Police Collision Investigation Unit, and Sgt Graeme Hodgson from the Roads Policing Unit at the Tyre Recovery Association’s annual dinner held at St Johns Hotel in Solihull on 17th June.

TyreSafe, a not-for-profit organisation, is the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of correct tyre maintenance and the dangers associated with defective and illegal tyres.

Jackson said: “Our thanks go to Cumbria Constabulary for its relentless drive in supporting tyre safety. Not only has it been a great partner behind the scenes but has also been at the fore in many of our initiatives, as well as promoting those of its own.”

“Indeed, PC McKeown was a key speaker at our inaugural industry roadshow earlier this year, once again highlighting how Cumbria Police is willing to go the extra mile to spread the tyre safety message.”

Additional praise was also given to the hard work undertaken by Cumbrian officers to highlight motorbike tyre safety, as the county is a favourite with those wanting to experience the beautiful scenery and diverse riding conditions.

Another exciting partnership was with transport and logistics firm Eddie Stobart, whose headquarters are based in Cumbria, which saw a unique tyre safety livery on one of its fleet’s trailers.

The eye-catching lorry was placed at strategic roadside locations in the county as part of last October’s tyre safety month, as well as being used by Cumbria police to conduct roadside tyre checks.

PC McKeown said: “Tyre maintenance is something that is often overlooked by motorists when it should be high up on everybody’s priorities to ensure that we don’t become another road casualty statistic.

“Unfortunately, police and our emergency services partners have to deal with the horrific aftermath of collisions on a daily basis and defective or unsafe tyres can often be a contributing factor.

“However, TyreSafe plays a hugely important role in raising the awareness of the dangers of unsafe tyres, so we’re only too happy to be involved. Road safety is an absolute priority for Cumbria Constabulary.”

For more information about tyre safety and TyreSafe visit www.tyresafe.org