Scottish Tyre Safety gets Record Airtime

A record number of radio stations are taking part in this year’s Scottish tyre safety campaign. 18 local and national Scottish radio stations are supporting this year’s tyre safety initiative by echoing the TIC’s tyre safety messages as part of a “down the line” radio promotion.

Ken Malcolm, former road safety adviser for TIC, conducted radio interviews aimed at raising the awareness of the dangers of driving on worn tyres and to promote the tyre safety clinics arranged around the country. He commented: “It is vital that we have the support of the local media so we can raise awareness and make the roads safer. To have support from the radio stations is key because many people listen to the radio in their cars.”

According to TIC research over 30 per cent of cars on Scottish roads have at least one defective or badly worn tyre. Because of this motorists are increasing the risk of accidents this winter, particularly in the wet. To highlight the dangers of defective tyres, the Council has once again organised clinics in supermarket car parks around the country where tyre experts can check cars for defective tyres.

In conjunction with the clinics the police will conduct a week of roadside tyre checks. Cars found with a tyre below the 1.6mm legal minimum could face a £2,500 fine and three penalty points.