Part-worn tyres 'could be dangerous'

Date: 4/6/2010

Buying part-worn tyres could endanger the lives of motorists and their passengers, it has been suggested.

An operation by trading standards officers from Birmingham City Council revealed nine out of ten second-hand tyres failed to meet the minimum legal standards.

Chairman of TyreSafe Stuart Jackson said guidelines do exist about the condition of these types of tyres, but some traders are not sticking to them.

He remarked: "The types of faults found are extremely dangerous and if fitted to a vehicle, could have caused serious accident and injury."

There were a number of reasons why some of the tyres failed, including illegal tread depth, nails embedded within the structure and one tyre was found to be 17 years old.

Neil Eustace, Chairman of Birmingham Public Protection Committee, commented on the findings and stated the issue needs an ongoing programme of policing and education.

Meanwhile, Schrader Electronics recently revealed intelligent tyres could be on the market within three years.

The organisation noted electronic sensors in tyres have had positive effects on both safety and fuel efficiency.

Posted by Sarah Bailey