Plans to ban older tyres on commercial vehicles could come into force early next year, the DfT has announced.
Under plans put out for consultation on 24 June, tyres aged 10 years and older would be prohibited from use on buses, coaches, lorries and minibuses.
The DfT says there is a growing body of evidence, including research published last week, which shows ageing tyres suffer corrosion which could cause them to fail.
Michael Ellis, road safety minister, said: “Our priority is keeping people safe on our roads, and we are taking action to reduce the number of people killed or injured.
“There is increasing evidence that age affects the safety of tyres, which is why I think older tyres should not be used on large vehicles.”
Stricter legislation for taxis?
The consultation, which runs for 10 weeks, asks whether older tyres should be banned on larger commercial vehicles – and if any ban should be extended to taxis and private hire vehicles.
It follows a campaign by Frances Molloy, whose son Michael died in a coach crash caused by a 19-year-old tyre in 2012.
Michael Ellis added: “I would like to thank Frances Molloy and the ‘Tyred’ campaign for their work raising this important issue – the changes we are consulting on could save lives.”
DVSA guidance on maintaining roadworthiness currently says tyres aged 10 years and older should not be used on the front axles of heavy goods vehicles, as well as buses and coaches.
There probably should be a legal age limit for tyres on commercial vehicles but I’m not familiar with the technical assessments on factors that affect tyre degradation. For example if a tyre has sat new and unused and stored correctly in a cool dark factory or depot for 5 years and is then put on a vehicle, should it be classed as the same risk as a tyre that has seen service in all weathers from the beginning of its life? Time is only one factor.
When you buy a new tyre for any vehicle, don’t assume that it has been recently manufactured……
Pat, Wales
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