60% of city tyre firms breaking the law

NEARLY two thirds of used tyre retailers in Londonderry are breaking the law by flogging cut price ‘part worn tyres’ for between £15 and £20 but not labelling them as such, according to a survey by Derry City Council.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Oct 2012, 15:54 BST

Paul McSwiggan, Senior Environmental Health Officer with Derry City Council said research by their department revealed that the sale of part-worn tyres can be a particular problem.

“Safe tyres are a vital element in safe driving. Due to the current economic climate, the sale of part-worn tyres appears to have risen with part-worn tyres selling for between £15 - £20.

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“A survey carried out revealed that 60 per cent of tyre retail premises visited which supply part-worn tyres, did not comply with the marking legal requirement to display a ‘PART-WORN’ label. Consumers are advised to check, when purchasing part-worn tyres that the tyre is marked as being part-worn,” he said.

The environmental health officer warned that it is a criminal offence to supply a part worn tyre which does not meet the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (as amended).

Part worn tyres must not have any of the following defects - any cuts bigger than 25mm or 10 per cent of the section width of the tyre - measured on the outside and deep enough to reach the ply or cord; any internal lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial separation of the structure; any of the ply or cord exposed internally or externally or any penetration damage which has not been repaired correctly.

When purchasing part-worn tyres, consumers should always ask for the tyre to be fully inflated so they can be thoroughly checked for any lumps or bulges.

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In relation to the tyre tread, the officer explained that grooves of the original tread pattern of the tyre must be of a depth of at least 2mm across the full breadth of tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

“Any repairs must have been properly carried out and all sellers of part-worn tyres should take positive steps to ensure that all part-worn tyres they stock for supply meet the requirements of the regulations”

Concluding, the officer indicated that an advisory leaflet had been produced by Derry City Council which gives advice to consumers on the safety of part worn tyres and was available for download at the Councils website www.derrycity.gov.uk.