TyreSafe: Tyre convictions ‘alarmingly high’

The number of motorists driving with defective tyres remains at a “dangerous and worrying level, warns TyreSafe, commenting on figures recently released by the Ministry of Justice. The statistics reveal 9,639 people were convicted of driving with dangerous or defective tyres at Magistrates courts in England and Wales in 2011.

Alarmingly defective tyres accounted for more than two-thirds of the ‘vehicle defects’ category which also includes items such as brakes and steering components. Last year there were more than 1,200 casualties resulting from accidents caused by illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres.

“Tyres play a vital role in road safety so these latest figures are very worrying,” Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe commented. “Not only is there still a high level of ignorance about tyre care, but perhaps even more alarming is that many motorists continue to drive on tyres that they know are illegal or dangerous.”

Current UK law requires car drivers to have a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth across the central three quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference. Drivers who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.