30
September
2015
|
13:06
Europe/London

Get a grip – get your tyres checked

That is why Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service are supporting national Tyre Safety Month by joining forces with safety organisation TyreSafe and offering free tyre health checks through October.

‘Practise Safe Checks’ is the message for this year’s Tyre Safe campaign. While the need to carry out regular tyre checks may seem obvious TyreSafe’s recent survey has highlighted that an alarming number of Britain’s motorists are replacing their tyres only when they have already become illegal and dangerous.

The survey found that more than 27% of people replaced their tyres when they were already illegal which  could mean 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres on Britain’s roads in 2015

Mick Clarke, Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service Road Safety Manager said:

“Your tyres are the only thing connecting your car to the road and good grip is essential especially during the winter weather.”

“If tyres are not roadworthy then they could make a vehicle slide and skid on wet roads, which can be a frightening experience for a driver and potentially dangerous for them and other road users.

“Tread depth has a decisive influence on the way your vehicle accelerates, brakes and corners. Safe tyres with legal tread depth will reduce the risks to you, your passengers and all road users.

“Driving on tyres with illegal tread depth not only reduces your safety on the road but also risks a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

“I would encourage all drivers to ACT - check their tyre’s Air pressure, Condition and Tread depth at least once a month.

"It is easy to do the 20p tyre test to check if have adequate tread depth - doing it is something that could help prevent an accident. If the outer band of a 20p piece is visible when placed into a tyre then it is time for the tyre to be assessed by a trained professional, and it may be dangerous and illegal.”

The free checks will be held:

  • 1 October 10am to 12 noon, KIDLINGTON, in Sainsbury’s car park
  • 5 October 10am to 12.30pm, WHEATLEY, in Asda supermarket car park
  • 12 October, 10am-12noon, BANBURY, in  Aldi supermarket car park
  • 14t October 10am-1pm, OXFORD, Botley Road, Toys R Us car park
  • 15 October, 10am-12noon, WITNEY, at The Woolgate Centre car park (nr Waitrose/Cargo shops)
  • 15 October 10am to 2pm, FARINGDON, in Tesco supermarket car park
  • 27 October   time to be confirmed,  WANTAGE, in Sainsbury’s car park
  •  Date & time to be confirmed.  OXFORD, Heyford Hill, in Sainsbury’s car park

Tyre mechanics from Protyre/Micheldever, Merityres and Kwik Fit are providing qualified staff to carry out free safety checks at the events,  assisted by local firefighters.

 

Unable to attend any of the events? TyreSafe members, nationally, are offering a free tyre health checks throughout the whole month. To find your local retailer visit:

http://www.tyresafe.org/campaigns/tyre-safety-month-2014/dealer-locator

 

 

 

Ends

 

Notes for editors:

 

Tyre Safety Month is being run by TyreSafe, a not for profit organisation which focuses on raising awareness of the dangers associated with defective and illegal tyres. Members are offering a free tyre safety check throughout October via various retailers.