TyreSafe webinar supports increased part worn regulatory activity
A web-based seminar hosted by TyreSafe has prompted Trading Standards Officers around the country to increase their investigation of the illegal sale of potentially dangerous part worn tyres, the road safety organisation reports. The online event attracted more than 80 participants from around the UK, and TyreSafe chairman Stuart Jackson said that the organisation is “looking forward to helping… Trading Standards Officers around the country carry out local investigations and initiatives.” While the governmental Used Tyre Working Group data acknowledges that part worn tyre sales have increased in the UK to 4.4 million units, around 90 per cent of which are estimated to be sold without conforming to existing regulations, tackling this problem has proved strategically problematic.
TyreSafe says its webinar participants from around the country were given an insight into the scale of the part-worn problem along with a wealth of advice and technical tips about how they can conduct investigations at a local level.
“We’ve been leading the way in campaigning about the safety risks posed by the sale of part-worn tyres so it’s fantastic to see that we have caught the attention of so many Trading Standards Officers,” explained Jackson. “There was a real appreciation from many attendees that they have a problem locally with part worn tyres but until now, they’ve not really been sure how to tackle this effectively. The webinar acted as a great way for us to provide some ideas and assistance which we hope will see a significant improvement in the standards of part worn tyres being sold.”
TyreSafe has been extremely active in highlighting the potential safety risks for consumers buying part worn tyres. The organisation recently conducted its own mystery shopper investigation where it bought 50 part won tyres and found 98 per cent had been sold illegally and more than a third were found to be dangerous. One tyre was even described by the independent examiner as having “the potential to kill.”
Tyre safety remains a major road safety concern in the UK. The latest figures available from the Department for Transport show that in 2011, more than 1,100 road casualties resulted from accidents where an illegal, defective or under-inflated tyre was a contributory factor. Furthermore, Ministry of Justice figures show that there were more than 9,600 prosecutions in Magistrates courts in England and Wales in 2011 for driving on defective tyres.
“We’re looking forward to helping as many Trading Standards Officers around the country carry out local investigations and initiatives,” concludes Jackson. “We have a range of support and education materials freely available, so anyone who was unable to attend the webinar can still benefit from our expertise.”
Related news:
- Cumbria police, council to focus on part-worn tyres
- TyreSafe hosting part worn webinar
- Baldwin declares war on illegal tyres
- BBC examines the safety of part-worns
- TWG chairman calls for increased pressure over tyre casualties
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