The Government has announced that larger vehicles – including lorries and buses – are to be banned from using older tyres, in a bid to improve road safety.
The ban follows research, commissioned by the DfT in 2019, which indicates ageing tyres suffer corrosion that could in turn cause them to fail.
Announced on 15 July, the legislation will make it illegal to fit tyres aged 10 years or older to the front wheels of lorries, buses and coaches – and to all wheels of minibuses.
It applies in England, Scotland and Wales.
Baroness Vere, roads minister, said: “In the same way that you wouldn’t drive a car with faulty brakes, ensuring your tyres are fit for purpose is crucial in making every journey safer.
“Taking this step will give drivers across the country confidence their lorries, buses and coaches are truly fit for use – a safety boost for road users everywhere.”
The ban is expected to come into effect in autumn this year and also applies to re-treaded tyres.
The Government will be asking the DVSA to continue checking tyre age as part of their routine roadside enforcement activities and adding an additional assessment to the annual test scheme.
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