Published on:
17
July 2013
Stirling & Clackmannanshire Councils' Trading Standards Service has led a national wide initiative to ensure tyres being sold locally are safe.
Ten local authorities across Scotland took part in the investigation which identified the sellers of part-worn tyres with officers visiting a random selection of these traders to make test purchases of tyres.
In total 15 tyres were purchased. 94 % were incorrectly marked and the tyre tread depths varied from 3.5 mm to 6.5mm. Astonishingly 40% of the tyres failed to comply with the legislation making them unsafe for further use. Of the tyres purchased in Scotland, one was in Clackmannanshire and one was in Stirling. The tyre bought in Clackmannanshire was structurally complete and undamaged, however failed because it was not correctly marked as being 'part-worn'.
The tyres were examined and tested by Brian Lawton of Newlaw Associates Limited who specialise in the forensic examination of tyres and related products.
Mr Lawton said: "Selling unsafe tyres puts the owners of the vehicles and other road users at risk of a serious and potentially fatal road accident."
The Trading Standards Service is reminding all traders who sell tyres of their legal obligations.
Councillor Donald Balsillie, Enterprise and Environment Convenor, said "In the present economic climate it is understandable that consumers may consider using part-worn tyres to keep costs down. Unsafe part-worn tyres are a serious danger to all road users. For a part-worn tyre to be legally sold, they must have a minimum tread depth of 2mm all round (the legal limit being 1.6mm), be free of large cuts and bulges and not have any plies or cord exposed. They should also be marked as part-worn before they are sold. Our advice is that it's always safest to buy brand new tyres, but if you are buying part-worn, make sure the tyre has been tested, check the tread depth, look out for lumps and bumps and keep an eye on the tyre pressure.
"We will be working closely with the part-worn tyre sellers in our area to ensure they are aware of the legislation and have procedures in place to prevent the sale of unsafe tyres."
If you believe that you have been sold a dangerous part-worn tyre, or have any questions about part-worn tyres, contact Stirling and Clackmannanshire Trading Standards on
08452 777 000 or 01786 233641 or email tradingstandards@stirling.gov.uk