Major changes to driving laws could be introduced affecting all motorists
Major overhauls of the UK's driving regulations are on the cards. The DVSA is being asked to join forces with road users as anticipations grow for alterations to tyre laws, empowering Trading Standards to take significant action.
The Transport Secretary and the Business and Trade Secretary are being asked to overhaul of policies governing the trade of pre-used tyres.
According to Auto Express, there's an ongoing campaign urging the Labour-led administration "to beef up regulations around the standards expected of part-worn tyre retailers, through an officially backed accreditation scheme for retailers."
The automotive journal warns: "This would offer consumers a level of quality and service that's all-too-often missing in the market today, and while it would potentially increase costs to customers a little, it would also greatly improve peace of mind." For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Pressing appeals have been directed at Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds for an expeditious revision of the rules surrounding the commerce of second-hand tyres amid a thriving industry, as reported by Birmingham Live, reports Yorkshire Live.
Meanwhile, an individual from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has remarked: "Consumer data and intelligence show that this is not an area where there have been many complaints in comparison to other competing demands."
The DVSA has confirmed their commitment to road safety, stating: "However, we work closely with relevant local Trading Standards offices to carry out intelligence-led investigations into the sale of part-worn tyres and to address evidence of non-compliance."
They further clarified their role by adding: "DVSA ensures tyres have basic safety checks as part of inspections through the MoT test and roadside enforcement."
Ruth Cadbury, chair of the Transport Select Committee, raised concerns about tyre safety on UK roads, citing alarming statistics: "Defective tyres are contributing to a growing number of serious incidents on our roads.
"Department for Transport data shows that 384 such incidents were recorded in 2023, the highest number in four years. Indeed, 13 people were tragically killed in that year."
She called for decisive action against the sale of substandard tyres: "Clamping down on traders selling part-worn tyres that aren't up to standard would help reduce this alarming rise.
"It is vital that local-authority Trading Standards teams are equipped with both the expertise and the resources to investigate and help reduce the risk to life or of serious injury."
Echoing her sentiments, Andy MacNae, MP for Rossendale and Darwen and the new chair of the all-party parliamentary group for transport safety (PACTS), emphasised the importance of ensuring the safety of part-worn tyres: "While there's a market for part-worn tyres, we have to make sure that those sold are safe and don't put customers and others on the road at risk.
"This is something I hope the Government looks seriously at in their upcoming Road Safety Strategy."
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