Be a tyre safety hero and A.C.T!

Liverpool City Council is supporting Tyre Safety Month by asking all drivers to “Be a tyre safety hero” and remember to get in on the A.C.T!

The call to action stands for checking your car’s: Air Pressure, Condition, Tread – and it could save your life and your job!

The appeal, which will be supported by road safety operations by Merseyside Police, comes as data shows one in five motorists in the city could have illegal tyres – a tread below 1.6mm – on their vehicle.

Tyres are the vehicle’s only point of contact with the road and once the tyre treads drop below 2mm, the risk of a puncture or aquaplaning on wet roads dramatically increases. The annual campaign coincides with the marked drop in sunlight and the increased regularity of stormy, wet weather.

Tyresafe, the national charity on the issue, noted that new national data published by the DfT last month shows there were 190 tyre-related fatalities or seriously injured casualties (KSIs) in 2023 – up 29% from 2022 (147).

The 2023 figure is also the highest number of casualties due to tyre defects since 2018. Tyresafe are also highlighting the issue of trye safety with young drivers and the legal and economic consequences as they embark on new careers.

Drivers who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre. And that’s just per tyre. If all 4 tyres are found to be dangerous, you could be looking at a £10,000 fine and 12 penalty points, which could lead to a driving ban.

So be a tyre safety hero and ACT by carrying out these simple checks:

• Air Pressure – Correct tyre pressures reduce the risk of experiencing a rapid deflation, and ensure optimal braking and handling. Correctly inflated tyres also last longer and use less fuel. You can find the recommended pressure in your door shut, fuel filler cap or owner’s manual and you can top up with air at most service stations.
• Condition – Check your tyres for any bulges, lumps or cuts and remove any stones or objects from the tread. If something doesn’t look right, have it inspected immediately by a tyre professional. Make sure that you carry out these checks once a month, and before long journeys.
• Tread – Your tyres’ tread is critical for acceleration, braking, steering and cornering. The legal minimum limit for car tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread around its entire circumference. To check your tread, place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is obscured, then your tread depth is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe.

Motorists are also asked to check the spare tyre or the compressor and sealant if no spare has been fitted.

Many tyre retailers offer complimentary, no-obligation tyre checks so please contact them if you are worried about the state of your tyres.

As part of Tyre Safety month, TyreSafe has produced several resources available here: https://www.tyresafe.org/

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “It’s so obvious but checking on your tyres could be the most important thing you do this month – and arguably ever!

“The statistics are alarming, and if more people followed the call to A.C.T. our roads would be a lot more safer. So do the sensible thing – check your car tyres. It could save your life – and others who share our roads.”

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said: “Tyre safety is not just a responsibility—it’s a lifesaving habit. By getting ‘Caught in the ACT.’ this October, drivers can become their own tyre safety heroes and contribute to safer roads across the UK. This campaign is a fun and engaging way to remind everyone of the critical role that tyres play in keeping us safe.”

Chief Inspector Steve Robinson, of Merseyside Police, said: “We are working to reduce collisions in Liverpool as we strive towards our joint goal of Vision Zero. Across Liverpool this year we have already seen a reduction in serious and fatal collisions, but we must continue our efforts to make our roads a safer place for everyone.

“This tyre safety month, local officers will be conducting dedicated road safety activity, with particular focus around Safe Vehicles, including the condition of tyres and other construction to ensure vehicles are fit for colder, harsher weather.”