Not-so-Magic Roundabouts Annoy Drivers

Motorists in the Lancashire town of Skelmersdale claim that the large number of roundabouts in the town is the cause of premature tyre wear, which is both expensive and potentially dangerous. Apparently, Skelmersdale boasts more than 40 roundabouts, including Half Mile Island, which is said to be the biggest in the world and taxi drivers and tyre fitters have reported extremely high rates of tyre wear. Said John Kieran, of Skelmersdale Express Tyres: “All the cabbies constantly have to have their tyres turned around because they wear out so quickly, especially on the outside of the passenger side”.

Cabbie Steven Crawley reckons the roundabouts in Skelmersdale wear his tyres down so much he gets through about six sets a year. He said: “My tyres only last about two months at the most and I have to turn them around every six weeks”. So widespread is the problem that it has been given the name of the “Skem Rash”.

Apart from the financial cost, there is a safety issue also, as a spokesman for Brake, the national road safety charity, pointed out, saying: “Worn tyres pose a huge risk to drivers, passengers and other road users, especially at this time of year when icy and wet weather conditions make roads more dangerous.
“The tread on tyres is essential in helping a driver brake, steer and accelerate and drivers must be made aware of the importance of regular vehicle maintenance.”