Council uncovers scale of part-worn tyre problem

Derry City Council is encouraging consumers in the local area to ensure the tyres they are using are suitable and safe for driving.

Environmental Health officer Anita McKenna said: “Safe tyres are a vital element in safe driving. Due to the current economic climate, the sale of part-worn tyres appears to have risen with Part-worn tyres selling for between £15 - £20. A survey carried out revealed that 100 per cent of tyre retail premises visited which supply part-worn tyres, did not comply with the marking legal requirement to display a ‘PART-WORN’ label. Consumers are advised to check, when purchasing part-worn tyres that the tyre is marked as being part-worn.”

She warned that it is a criminal offence to supply part-worn tyre which do not meet the requirements. Any trader breaching the controls is liable to prosecution.

Part worn tyres must not have any of the following defects - any cuts bigger than 25mm or 10 per cent of the section width of the tyre - measured on the outside and deep enough to reach the ply or cord; any internal lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial separation of the structure; any of the ply or cord exposed internally or externally or any penetration damage which has not been repaired.

In relation to the tyre tread, the officer explained that grooves of the original tread pattern of the tyre must be of a depth of at least 2mm across the full breadth of tread and round the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

“Any repairs must have been properly carried out and all sellers of part-worn tyres should take positive steps to ensure that all part-worn tyres they stock for supply meet the requirements of the regulations,” she warned.

Motorists should take advantage of a free tyre safety check in depots that are in membership with the National Tyre Distributors Association.

This is part of a tyre safety initiative commencing on 13th October 2011. Further details on these can be availed by visiting: (www.nitsa.co.uk).