Motorists urged to think tyre safety this Easter
Officers from the Roads Crime Unit at Gwent Police are reminding motorists to regularly check the condition of their tyres after they’ve seen an increase in the number of motorists being stopped with poor and defective tyres.
In recent weeks several tickets have been issued to drivers whose vehicles were found to have dangerously defective tyres.
PC Lauren Hares of the Roads Crime Unit said: “Making sure your tyres meet the required standards isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s also key to ensuring your safety on the road. As the Easter break approaches and before many hit the roads to go on holiday or visit loved ones, it is important to remember to check the condition of your tyres.
“As a driver, it is your responsibility to ensure that the vehicle you are using is road legal before commencing a journey. After all, they are the only thing that keeps you on the road. They are constantly in contact with the road and if they’re defective, they could have a contributing factor in causing fatal or serious injury to you or other road users.
“Defective and under inflated tyres is a serious problem which affects steering, braking, fuel efficiency and the stability of the vehicle. It is quite shocking when we see vehicles that have under inflated and dangerous tyres.
“Ideally tyres should be checked once a month and before any long journeys. This should include checking the air pressure, overall condition and tread depth which is at least 1.6mm. The best way to find this is by looking at the tread depth indicator, in the grooves of the tyre which is set at 1.6mm. If the tread becomes level with this, it is time to change the tyre.
“It is also worth checking the tyre and removing any stones or other objects embedded in the tread and look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts. Any weakness to the tyres – such as bulges or cuts, could mean a higher risk of a blow out at higher speeds, and a serious loss of control.
She added: “Tyre companies and some garages offer free tyre checks – please check with your local garage who will be happy to assist you.”
There is a potential £2,500 maximum fine and three penalty point applicable to each tyre found to be in an unroadworthy condition. Find out more about keeping your tyres safe by visiting: www.tyresafe.org