New part-worn tyre guidelines announced
The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) has announced new guidelines to boost consumer confidence in the purchase of part worn tyres.
98% of part worn tyes sold fail to meet basic regulations, and it is also estimated more than 10 million drivers in the UK have illegal tyres.
New protocol has been established to demonstrate part worn tyres sold have been subject to a safety check to prove they are fit for purpose.
In turn, it is hoped these guidelines improve standards and road safety, and make sure tyes being sold are safe and roadworthy.
Participating TRA members will work to a detailed list of examination standards by qualified operatives who will be subject to regular technical audit.
The TRA’s secretary general Peter Taylor said, ‘Tyres are a vehicle’s primary safety feature. Alarmingly only two per cent of part worn tyres are sold legally.
‘The sale of part worn tyres that do not meet legal requirements is not only a criminal offence under the Consumer Protection Act, but also a serious safety risk to drivers, their passengers and other road users. This new protocol will ensure retailers selling second hand tyres follow industry best practice, which will in turn draw attention to those who do not.’
‘It will give consumers the confidence that the retailer is putting tyre safety first.’
Grove Road Tyres in Chadwell Heath, Essex, is the first in the country to have adopted and introduced the new protocol, which inspects every second hand tyre and is independently audited. Grove Tyres sells upwards of 300 fully examined part worn tyres each week.
Peter Craven, who opened Grove Road Tyres 30 years ago, added, ‘As a member of the Tyre Recovery Association, we were delighted to trial the new protocol which shows consumers that the part worn tyres they are buying are of the best quality. Whether you are driving a Ford Fiesta or a Rolls Royce, ensuring part worn tyres meet safety and legal requirements is paramount.
‘Every member of our tyre team has been trained to follow the protocol, which is a series of good practice and safety checks. We are independently assessed and audited, and the certificate of accreditation we receive will be displayed for all our customers to see so they can be assured we meet the highest quality standards.’
