Defective tyre prosecutions hit seven year high

The number of drivers successfully prosecuted by courts in England and Wales for

driving on defective tyres has risen by 14 percent to more than 4,300

convictions. The information, which relates to 2008, has been released by the

Ministry of Justice in response to a parliamentary question by Stoke-on-Trent

MP, Tristram Hunt. The figure is a seven year high, up from a low of 3,595

convictions in 2006.

"Many drivers have the misconception that the police are too busy or too

stretched to stop and prosecute them for driving on illegal tyres," explains

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. "These latest figures show this is clearly

not the case and that the court system still considers driving on illegal tyres

a very serious offence."

Current UK law requires car drivers to have a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth

across the central three quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference.

Drivers who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £2,500 and

three penalty points for each illegal tyre. 

"We fully support the police's efforts in clamping down on this dangerous

behaviour and would encourage all drivers to take a few minutes every month to

check their tyre's tread depth, pressure and general condition," continues

Jackson. "Not only could the checks save you from a court prosecution, it could

help save your life."

The information has been released just days ahead of October's tyre safety month

which is educating drivers about the importance and simplicity of checking tyre

tread depth. Drivers who are unsure about how to check the condition of their

tyres can visit one of the many hundreds of garages and tyre retailers who are

offering free tyre safety checks as part of tyre safety month. Alternatively,

visit the TyreSafe website for more information and advice.

Ministry of Justice data for convictions in 2009 is planned for publication on

21 October 2010.

Full details of the Ministry of Justice response can be found by visiting theyworkforyou .

However, the number of defendants found guilty at all courts for the offence defective tyres,

England and Wales 1999 to 2008 is as follows:

Year        Found Guilty

2008        4,317

2007        3,774

2006        3,595

2005        3,940

2004        4,250

2003        3,893

2002        4,249

2001        4,823

2000        6,227

1999        8,432

TyreSafe is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the

importance of the dangers of defective and worn tyres.

In 2009, TyreSafe was awarded with the Prince Michael International Road Safety

Award in recognition of its achievements in raising awareness about the dangers

associated with driving on defective and worn tyres.

TyreSafe supports the government's ACT ON CO2 campaign which promotes Smarter

Driving tips to help cut CO2 emissions from driving. 

TyreSafe is a signatory to the European Road Safety Charter which was launched

in 2004 with the aim of halving the number of deaths on European roads by 2010.

Useful Links

TyreSafe - www.tyresafe.org

Twitter - www.twitter.com/tyresafe

YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/TyreSafe

Prince Michael International Road Safety Awards - www.roadsafetyawards.com

European Road Safety Charter - www.erscharter.eu/signatories/profile/13459 

Parliamentary response - www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2010-09-13b.13560.h