Report: Van Tire Defects on Rise

The results of the latest effectiveness report have come to TyreSafe’s attention and the tire safety organization is not impressed with the attention U.K. van drivers are paying to their tires.

The report, TyreSafe comments, shows that ‘condition of tires’ remains the most frequent prohibition defect at spot checks on light goods vehicles across the country, and the incidence rate is increasing; in 2007-08 and 2008-09 it sat at 20%, but rose to just under 26% in 2009-10.

“Van tires lead a particularly hard life so it is critical that operators regularly check the condition of their tires for signs of damage or premature and uneven wear,” explained TyreSafe chairman Stuart Jackson. “Building site debris or regular scuffing on curbs during delivery drops can cause significant damage to iyres. If left unchecked, they may fail at a critical moment, risking serious injury for the driver and other road users.”

TyreSafe points out that responsibility for the condition of tires on light commercial vehicle lies both with the business that owns the van and the van’s driver. Penalties for driving on illegal tires include a personal fine of £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tire. Business owners are obliged to provide their employees with a safe working environment, which includes the provision of safe and roadworthy vehicles, and thus are open to fines of up to £20,000 if they fail to do this. In addition to risking a fine, business owners are faced with additional costs when tires are not properly cared for – underinflated tires wear out quicker while reducing fuel economy, and any downtime a vehicle experienced due to tire failure is time it is not earning money.

“This rising trend of tire-related prohibition defects is extremely worrying,” Jackson continued. “I would urge all businesses, large or small, that operate vans and other light commercial vehicles to ensure they have robust procedures in place to regularly check the condition of their fleet’s tires.” To help businesses and van users understand their responsibilities towards tire care and the key tire safety issues they need to consider, TyreSafe has launched a new dedicated van tire safety section on its tyresafe.org website. The site includes a selection of useful tips and guides as well as a free downloadable safety leaflet. (Tyres & Accessories)

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