Council warns drivers about part-worn tyres

BALLYMONEY Borough Council is encouraging drivers in the area to ensure their tyres are suitable and safe for use.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Oct 2012, 10:34 BST

A spokesperson for the Council said that research showed the sale of part-worn tyres can be a particular problem.

“Safe tyres are a vital element in safe driving,” said the Council spokesperson.

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“Due to the current economic climate, the sale of part-worn tyres appears to have risen with part-worn tyres selling between £15 and £20.

“A survey carried out revealed that 100% 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.”

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 l0% 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 spokesperson 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,” she said.

An advisory leaflet has been produced by Ballymoney Borough Council which gives advice to consumers on the safety of part worn tyres and was available for download at the Council’s website www.ballymoney.gov.uk