Drivers urged to think about tyre safety

Council officials have warned that part-worn tyres often do not meet the necessary minimum standards, and sometimes are found to be unsafe.

In 2014, Environmental Health Officers in local councils carried out a survey across Northern Ireland to assess the compliance of part-worn tyre retailers with the Motor Vehicle Tyre (Safety) Regulations 1994. The survey showed that 10 per cent of part-worn tyres were found to have serious faults which could potentially affect driver safety.

While that figure was a vast improvement on the 35 per cent recorded in the 2013 survey, drivers are still be advised to be wary if considering purchasing part-worn tyres.

Clifford Todd, the council’s Head of Environmental Services, commented: “All sellers of part-worn tyres should take positive steps to ensure that they meet the requirements of the regulations and make sure staff are made aware of these requirements. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has been monitoring part-worn tyre suppliers in the area to assess compliance with the legal requirements. Further sampling and testing of tyres is also planned.”

For further information about tyre safety contact Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on 028 9034 0000 or log on to www.tyresafe.org