According to new research, more than a quarter of drivers had an illegal tyre on their vehicle when they last took it in to be replaced. The information came from TyreSafe in conjunction with Highways England, and suggests that nearly 10 million of the tyres on British roads could have been illegally fitted.æ This was one of the most comprehensive surveys of Britain's tyre industries to date, and collated data on the tread depth of tyres.æ 810 retail outlets through the UK contributed information to the survey. TyreSafe has urged all drivers to check their tyres to ensure that their safety isn't being put at risk.æ The legal minimum of tyre tread is currently 1.6mm, with tread depth playing a decisive factor in braking and steering, especially in the wet weather.æ Research indicates that the braking distance from 50mp to standstill in wet conditions will increase by over 14 metres with worn tyres compared to new ones, substantially increasing the chances of a collision. Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: 'TyreSafe does not believe millions of drivers are intentionally putting others at risk - it is more a question of educating motorists to take responsibility for their safety and that of others on the road,î 'As vehicles have become increasingly reliable, owners have become less used to performing what were once considered basic precautionary checks before setting off on a journey. Tyres too are much more technologically advanced but they do wear and can get damaged so it is down to the driver to regularly check they're safeî 'The evidence provided by the TyreSafe survey underlines what we already feared - awareness among Britain's motorists' of the importance of tyre safety urgently needs to improve.î Tyre thickness can only be measured using an accurate tread depth gauge, with previous research showing that few drivers carry out any kind of tyre check.
