Latest news with #TyreSafe
Auto Express
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
You could soon be forced to rectify MoT advisories, and here's why
Over one in three MoT test failures in 2024 were found to be caused by faulty tyres, with safety concerns surrounding the decaying state of the rubber on British cars leading to calls for mandatory advisory follow-ups. Last year (2023-24), more than 2.15 million vehicles failed their annual MoT test after they were found to be fitted with heavily degraded tyres. This represents around one-in-five MoT failures and is an increase of roughly 100,000 over the previous year, as well as contributing to a total over a quarter of a million since 2019-20. Such a decline in the condition of the tyres on British cars is also highlighted by the fact that, of the over two million vehicles that failed, 750,000 had previously been flagged with a tyre-related advisory. This suggests that many drivers are ignoring advisories given during MoTs and could be driving around with illegal, or even dangerous tyres. Advertisement - Article continues below With the number of tyre-related MoT failures on the rise and some 1,700 people losing their lives in 2023 after being involved in accidents where tyre defects have been cited as aggravating factors, road safety charity TyreSafe is calling on the government for change. The charity's chairman, Stuart Lovatt, said: 'These figures strongly suggest a widespread lack of attention to a component that is literally the only contact between a vehicle and the road.' TyreSafe, alongside the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), is now asking for what it describes as 'mandatory follow-up action within three months of a tyre advisory – such as driver alerts, prompts or proof-of-replacement requirements'. Of course, asking drivers to replace their tyres more frequently will, of course, come at a cost to the consumer. However, director of fleet risk management firm Verifleet, Richard Stowe, was keen to remind the public that, 'The consequences of inaction can be fatal. It's time we treated tyre safety with the seriousness it deserves.' All of this follows Auto Express' recent investigation into part-worn tyres, which found that shady businesses across the country are selling tyres that are below the legal requirements stated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Consumer editor, Chris Rosamond, wrote to the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, calling for an immediate review of the regulations surrounding the part-worn tyre industry because, with TyreSafe estimates suggesting 94 per cent are being sold illegally, action must be taken to protect road users. Looking to replace your car tyres? Discover the best car tyres to buy now ...
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Drivers urged to check for this symbol as vehicle's insurance could be invalidated
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Motorists have been urged to perform a quick check of their vehicle as they could be unwittingly driving with 'defective' tyres. An investigation by Auto Express revealed that some tyres categorised as 'part-worn' are being sold without the legally required markings to indicate they are second-hand. The study also discovered that in some instances, the used tyres were being sold without undergoing proper inspection and showing signs of significant internal damage. The motoring group cautioned that defective tyres can result in handling problems or blow-outs, which could put yourself or other road users at risk, and could render your insurance void. UK law mandates that a part-worn tyre must display a 'PART WORN' mark in uppercase letters at least 4mm high. This mark must be permanently and clearly applied to the tyre, excluding hot branding or any other form of cutting into it. Another requirement is that the part worn mark must be immediately adjacent to every approval mark (E-/e-mark) on the tyre. The legal obligation is outlined in the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994, under the Consumer Protection Act. Chris Rosamund, consumer editor at Auto Express, stated: "If anyone sells you a used tyre for use on the road, it is classed as a "part-worn" under the regulations, and therefore must be inspected and stamped." He issued a warning that your insurance could be invalidated as a consequence: "Your insurance could be invalidated if it could be proved that a tyre was defective and caused an accident. "Whether it was part-worn when sold to you would be purely incidental at that point. You could equally be driving on defective tyres that you damaged yourself." A recent TyreSafe investigation into dubious tyre sellers revealed that a shocking 94% of part-worn tyres were being sold illegally. Alarmingly, over six in 10 of these tyres were found to be dangerous, with Mr Rosamond highlighting the near absence of law enforcement in this area. He emphasised the critical nature of the issue, stating: "While you might not buy potentially dodgy used tyres, your life could be negatively impacted by someone else who has. It's time for the Government to step in." Auto Express has reached out to the Government, advocating for an officially endorsed accreditation system for tyre retailers to boost safety standards. The campaign also includes calls for enhanced enforcement and supervision, suggesting a role for the DVSA to support the already stretched local Trading Standards offices.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
'Every single driver' warned as your tyres may be from a scrapyard
Auto Express has written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, calling for "an immediate review of the regulations around the sale of part-worn tyres" Car safety specialists are calling for legal reforms after discovering that UK drivers are using part-worn tyres sourced from scrapyards in Northern Europe. In response, Auto Express has launched an appeal to Minister of State for Transport Heidi Alexander and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, demanding "an immediate review of the regulations around the sale of part-worn tyres". An estimated 8 million such tyres may be sold in the UK annually, with many being imported en masse from northern Europe. These often come from old or scrapped vehicles. Auto Express's exclusive 'mystery shop' investigation has revealed several safety concerns. The existing regulations require sellers of part-worn tyres in the UK to ensure the absence of significant damage, ensuring the tyre's ability to be fully inflated as per manufacturer specifications, and maintain a minimum tread depth of no less than 2mm. Many tyres being sold without markings they must have Additionally, they must permanently inscribe the term 'PART WORN' in capital letters, at least 4mm high, on the tyre and include an appropriate 'E' mark to signify compliance with European standards. However, an Auto Express investigation, conducted in association with TyreSafe, a tyre safety awareness organisation, discovered that numerous part-worn tyres are being sold without the legally required markings. In addition, they say they have not been adequately inspected, and in some instances exhibit signs of significant internal damage. Such defects can result in handling problems or blow-outs, greatly endangering both motorists and other road users, reports Plymouth Live. Consumer editor Chris Rosamond said: "Our investigation has shown that there are serious issues with part-worn tyres, that current regulations are being ignored on a wide scale - a recent TyreSafe investigation targeted at suspect retailers found that 94% of the part-worn tyres inspected were being sold illegally, and over 60% were dangerous - yet enforcement is practically non-existent. This is an issue that affects every single road user, because, while you might not buy potentially dodgy used tyres, your life could be negatively impacted by someone else who has. It's time for the Government to step in." Accreditation scheme must be set up Auto Express is calling for the establishment of an official accreditation scheme for retailers to elevate industry standards and offer customers reassurance, alongside stronger enforcement and supervision, suggesting a role for the DVSA to support overburdened local Trading Standards offices. Mr Rosamond added: "Firstly, we are asking for the introduction of an officially backed accreditation scheme for part-worn retailers that includes a minimum level of qualification for tyre fitters and/or quality checkers. "This one change would offer consumers a guarantee of quality and service that's absent in the market today, and we believe accreditation would also help to encourage investment in a strong and stable part-worn retail sector as a valuable player in the UK's transition to a circular economy. "Second, we want to see more vigorous and proactive intervention from the authorities to crack down on offenders who ignore part-worn tyre regulations altogether, including those selling online. "That means greatly increased monitoring and oversight, and stiffer penalties for those who continue to put the lives of all road users at risk by selling potentially dangerous tyres to unsuspecting drivers." While Auto Express does not call for a complete ban on part-worn tyres - recognising that motorists require affordable choices - it highlights that insufficient regulation and lax supervision are compromising safety. Mr Rosamond said: "Cash-strapped drivers are still reeling from the cost-of-living crisis, and with the price of new tyres up 50% in just five years many drivers feel forced into cut-price, and potentially dangerous, alternatives. We're not against part-worn sales in principle, but the risks are real. Without appropriate market oversight and enforcement, purchasing part-worn tyres can be a perilous risk - with unknown history, concealed damage, and the chance of failure. What may seem like an immediate saving could end up costing dearly in the long run."
