‘An atrocious track record’

Investigations by TyreSafe in partnership with Trading Standards over the past five years have revealed a staggering 139 of the 152 part worn outlets visited were selling illegal and unsafe tyres.

That means just 13 dealers were selling roadworthy tyres from inspections spanning from Scotland to London. 

Investigations highlighted part worn retailers are either ignoring their responsibilities when selling tyres or do not have the required skill to serve motorists properly. During test purchases, some fitted tyres with water in them to wheels, others provided the wrong size of tyre, and the supply of examples with nails and other objects embedded in them is all too common. 

Terry Hone, executive member for Community Safety, said, ‘We hope that this sends a message to the part-worn tyre market in Hertfordshire that we take these matters very seriously. Our consumers should be able to expect that any tyre they buy for road use complies with safety standards.’

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, added, ‘It must be acknowledged that the retail of dangerous and defective tyres by part worn dealers is unacceptably commonplace nationwide. While the shocking findings of joint investigations may reveal some part worn dealers are compliant, even if it is fewer than one in 10, motorists have a 90% chance of visiting an outlet selling illegal tyres. As far as TyreSafe is aware, there is no other retail sector with such an atrocious track record. Let’s remember these dealers are selling safety critical components – when tyres are driven in an unroadworthy condition, a vehicle’s braking and steering are compromised, and road users are put at significant risk of a catastrophic tyre failure.’

SHARE