Motorists who purchase part-worn tyres have been warned they could be taking unnecessary and potentially dangerous risks. 
The warning comes from Derry City Council after figures showed staggering 35% (13 out of 37) of all part-worn tyres tested had serious faults that would potentially affect the safety of the tyre.
From 2012, Environmental Health Officers across the 26 District Councils in Northern Ireland took part in a survey exercise to assess part worn tyre retailers compliance with the Motor Vehicle Tyre (Safety) Regulations 1994.
In December last year, 18 District Councils purchased 37 part-worn tyres for testing. The following is their findings:
92% (34 out of 37) of all part-worn tyres tested failed to meet fully the requirements of The Motor Vehicle Tyre (Safety) Regulations 1994 (as amended)
57% (21 out of 37) of part-worn tyres tested failed with regard to labelling alone.
22% (8 out of 37) of all part-worn tyres tested failed to meet the requirements of Section 7(5) ‘the grooves of the original tread pattern of the tyre must be of a depth of at least two millimetres across the full breadth of the tread and round the entire circumference of the tyre’.
22% (8 out of 37) of all part-worn tyres tested failed to meet the requirements of Section 7(2) ‘the tyre must not have –
a) any cut in excess of 25 millimetres or 10 per cent of the section width of the tyre, whichever is the greater, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and deep enough to reach the ply or cord;
b) any internal or external lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; or
c) any of the ply or cord exposed internally or externally;
d) any penetration damage which has not been repaired.
Paul McSwiggan, senior environment officer at Derry City Council, said the results were cause for concern.
He said: “A number of part worn tyres (three out 37 or 8%) tested fully complied however despite previous advice provided as part of the survey undertaken in September 2012, the test purchase exercise has revealed that the vast majority of part worn tyres sampled failed to comply with The Motor Vehicle Tyre (Safety) Regulations 1994 (as amended).
“A staggering 35% (13 out of 37) of all part-worn tyres tested had serious faults that would potentially affect the safety of the tyre.”
Mr McSwiggan said since the information had been obtained, a number of councils including Derry City Council had instigated legal proceedings against a number of part worn tyre retailers.
He added: “Recommendations were also made to all sellers of part-worn tyres that they should take positive steps to ensure that all part-worn tyres they stock for supply, meet the requirements of the regulations and ensure that all relevant staff is made aware of these requirements.”
For further information on tyre safety motorists should visit the following website tyresafe.org
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