Coroner Calls for Tyre Aging Law

A coroner from Gloucestershire has re-ignited the tyre aging debate, by calling for a ban on vehicle tyres that are more than 10 years old. Alan Crickmore has reportedly committed to write to the Transport Secretary calling for MOT after hearing how a mother of two died when the 13 year-old tyres fitted to hear car failed, causing a high speed crash.

Nazma Shaheen’s M-registered Toyota Lucida was travelling northbound along the M5 when the tyre burst and veered right and then left onto the hard shoulder. It then clipped a kerb and rolled over, throwing Mrs Shaheen clear of the vehicle on May 6 last year. Recording a verdict of accidental death, the coroner said he did not think she would have died if the tyre had been newer.

There are currently no legal constraints on the ages of tyres but manufacturers generally agree that a tyre should not be in use beyond 10 years. Some companies limit the lifespan to six years, the inquest heard.

In August 2008 NTDA and RAC Foundation led a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers associated with tyre ageing. A number of retailers supported the idea by offering free tyre ageing checks.

Related News:

• National Offers Free Tyre Ageing Checks

• NTDA and RAC Foundation Warn of Tyre Ageing Dangers

• RAC Foundation, NTDA Offering Free Tyre Aging Checks