Fears Mount as Cash-Strapped Motorists Stick with Illegal Tyres
By Denna Bowman
Hard-up motorists are neglecting the safety of their vehicles, particularly their tyres, according to the AA.
The motoring organisation claims there strong evidence that increasing numbers are driving around on tyres that are so worn, they are illegal.
The latest figures show 34 deaths and 900 injuries were caused by tyre-related problems on Britain’s roads last year.
The AA says motorists are not taking tyre safety seriously enough. It believes that this attitude could end up making our roads unsafe.
Stewart Topp, named AA Patrol of the Year in April, admits he is worried about the situation.
He said: “In this current economic climate, people are neglecting their vehicles. If the car’s reliable, they just tend to leave it.
“It’s a safety issue. [Tyres are] the only things keeping you on the road so it’s important to get them checked and changed if necessary.
“A tyre that’s on its minimum [tread depth] limit of 1.6mm is 50% less efficient than a new tyre. You wouldn’t go out with a brake that’s 50% efficient, so why do it with tyres?”
Vehicle owners who need to replace their tyres can find the best deals on the internet.
Etyres, the UKs leading online tyres company, offers premium brand tyres at prices up to 40% cheaper than the traditional high street depots.
It offers a mobile fitting service – tyres are fitted at a location of the customers choice, at home or work – which means it has low overheads and passes the savings on to customers.
Number: Z8037079
Reg: NKF419
