TRA launches part worn tyre safety guidelines

The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has published new part worn tyre safety guidelines designed to give consumers confidence “that the part worn tyres they are buying are safe and roadworthy, not dangerous and illegal”. According to the TRA, the new guidelines are being introduced to improve standards, share good practice and improve road safety across the UK and follow research suggesting 98 per cent of part worns sold don’t comply with current legislation.

The new protocol is designed to demonstrate to consumers that the part worn tyres they are purchasing have been through a rigorous safety check to ensure they are roadworthy and fit for purpose. To this end participating TRA members will work to a detailed list of examination standards by qualified operatives who will be subject to regular technical audit.

TRA’s view is that part worn tyres can provide an effective alternative to new tyres, subject to them meeting a number of criteria. Completing the new TRA protocol demonstrates the part worn tyre being checked is the best quality and meets critical legal requirements.

Peter Taylor, Secretary General of the Tyre Recovery Association (TRA), said: “Tyres are a vehicle’s primary safety feature.  Alarmingly only two per cent of part worn tyres are sold legally. The sale of part worn tyres that do not meet legal requirements is not only a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act, but also a serious safety risk to drivers, their passengers and other road users.  This new protocol will ensure retailers selling second hand tyres follow industry best practice, which will in turn draw attention to those who do not. It will give consumers the confidence that the retailer is putting tyre safety first.”

Grove Road Tyres in Chadwell Heath, Essex is the first in the country to have adopted and introduced the new protocol, which inspects every second hand tyre and is independently audited. Grove Tyres sells upwards of 300 fully examined part worn tyres each week.

Peter Craven, who has worked in the tyre industry for 45 years, opened Grove Road Tyres 30 years ago, said: “As a member of the Tyre Recovery Association, we were delighted to trial the new protocol which shows consumers that the part worn tyres they are buying are of the best quality. Whether you are driving a Ford Fiesta or a Rolls Royce, ensuring part worn tyres meet safety and legal requirements is paramount.

“Every member of our tyre team has been trained to follow the protocol, which is a series of good practice and safety checks.  We are independently assessed and audited, and the certificate of accreditation we receive will be displayed for all our customers to see so they can be assured we meet the highest quality standards.”