Dated: 12 March 2009

Over 10% of Cars running on Illegal Tyres

The National Tyre Distribution Association has revealed that 7000 of 60,000 cars checked by members in January 09 were driving on at least 1 illegal tyre.  With 1 in ten motorists planning to spend less on tyres in 2009, over 3 motorists could be running the risk of causing serious road accidents due to a lack of awareness of the dangers of worn tyres.

In 2007 over 1,000 motoring accidents and 43 fatalities, occurred where illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres were a contributory factor. Current UK laws state that car tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band throughout the central three-quarters of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre.

By following some simple guidelines motorists can reduce their risk of three penalty points and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre which can be handed to anyone driving on illegal tyres.

• Check tyre pressures, when cold and against the recommended pressures.
• Check for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
• Remove any objects embedded in the tyre.