Road risks posed by lack of van tyre maintenance

Van tyres in their lifetime will experience bumps and scrapes, and should therefore be checked by mechanics or garages on a regular basis. Due to the excessive wear these tyres receive they should be examined for uneven tread wear and damage to tyre walls which can be a result of visits to building sites, in addition to scrapes against curbs when drop- offs and pick-ups are being made.
This in turn can lead to a high number of tyre related accidents; these accidents have increased from in 2010 from 20% to nearly 26%.
The maintenance responsibility lies with the drivers and with the companies to be checking for tyre damage before each journey as they could be at risk for a 3 point penalty for each tyre that is not legal and a £2500 fine.
Businesses also are bound by the duty of care act and are liable of up to a £5000 fine if found to have illegal tyres on the work vehicles.
Damage tyres can not only be dangerous and cause accident but can also end up costing the company as the vans will not be running efficiently and will be using more fuel. This will therefore lead to more time where the driver is off the road, repairing and maintaining poor tyres in local garages, an element that businesses can’t afford to risk in time or money.
To ensure that all help is being provided anyone can download the helpful tips leaflet off the web page www.tyresafe.org, making sure that the tyres on their light goods vehicles are maintained.