Cash-strapped motorists are neglecting the safety of their vehicles, particularly their tyres, according to the AA.
The motoring organisation says there is 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.
“In this current economic climate, people are neglecting their vehicles. If the car’s reliable, they just tend to leave it,” he said.
“It’s a safety issue. There 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?”
Around 1,000 cars a week drive into Micheldever Tyre Services in Hampshire, where chief executive Paul Fox says he has seen the number of illegal tyres grow.
“In September 2007, we were taking off approximately 23% of fronttyres that were down to an illegal tyre-tread depth.
“In 2008, it had risen to 55% and now, 12 months on – well through the recession – we’re seeing levels of about 65% of illegality.
One of Paul’s customers is Kathleen Blackman. She admits to leaving it late to get her four tyres changed.
“You’re conscious of the car but you think ‘leave it a bit longer, leave it a bit longer’,” she said.
Tyre pressure should never be too high or too low and you should always make sure your wheels are not worn down.
If your car is fitted with illegal or defective tyres the penalties are steep.
You could be fined up to £2,500 per faulty tyre and get three points on your licence.
Source: BBC News
