Tyre safety warning from partnership

12 October 2010

Check your tyre tread before the winter weather sets in – that’s the message from Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership during Tyre Safety Month (October).

Partnership Chairman Mike Ashworth said:” Worn tyres can’t protect you properly in wet weather. When you brake it will take longer to stop and there’s an increased risk of aquaplaning.

“We’re urging motorists to check their tyres before the weather gets any worse.” 

TyreSafe - the organisers of Tyre Safety Month - have devised the 20p test, which is a quick and easy way to check if tyres are safe and legal.

Mike said: “All you need to do is push a 20p coin as far as it will go into the main grooves of your tyre. If the outer rim of the coin is still visible, you should get your tyre checked as it may be below the legal limit.”

Learn how to do the 20p check by visiting: www.youtube.com/user/tyresafe (opens in a new window)    

UK law states that vehicles must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of each tyre. For each tyre that’s below the legal limit, motorists can be fined up to £2,500 and have three points added to their licence.