There is currently no law preventing fitting of tyres on vehicles because of their age. This is a loophole all vehicle users must be keen to close by raising the profile of the issue with politicians, ministers, motoring authorities and the tyre industry.
Mrs. Frances Molloy, whose 18-year-old son Michael was killed in a coach crash in Surrey caused by a blowout of a second-hand tyre that was almost 20-years-old, says: “I’m grateful that many people in the tyre industry, including the NTDA, have supported my calls to change the law on over-age tyres. I will not rest until the law is changed to make sure no other family has to go through the truly awful experience of those of us affected by this tragic but avoidable accident.”
Prevention and enforcement of illegal waste tyre dumping is one of the most pressing environmental issues faced by the tyre industry. Mr. Paul Keay of the Environment Agency’s Waste Enforcement Campaign Manager, says: “Up to the end of March last year, the Environment Agency investigated and stopped 62 illegal waste tyre sites, removing many thousands of tyres from unauthorised locations across the country and improving the environment.”
He adds: “Enforcement is a crucial part of our role in combating illegal tyre disposal, but we also place a great deal of importance on preventing the problem from arising in the first place. Educating the trade is very important to us, so that people involved in the disposal of waste tyres understand the rules and the consequences to them and the environment of not complying with the law.”
Mr. Matt Eglinton from the NMO, observes: “NMO has been appointed as the Enforcement Authority for the EU Tyre Label regulations. We have an ongoing programme of engagements with manufacturers and distributors as agreed upon with the Department for Transport.”
Dr. Andrew Pryce, Managing Director, Sigmavision, speaks about the latest developments for Tyre Measurement and Management, as well as new technologies such as laser devices now becoming available for tyre measurement; improving accuracy and completely automating the previously manual task of tyre tread measurement, etc.