TyreSafe, the non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the dangers of defective and worn tyres, has launched a new truck specific section to its website. MoT failures for HGV’s was recorded at 36.5 per cent in 2007/8, as reported by VOSA, with failure due to defective tyres being the second most common defect.

The new web pages are located at www.tyresafe.org and includes guidance and advice on the importance of tyre pressure, tread depth, wheel alignment, regrooving and tyre disposal, together with details of the common causes of tyre damage and wear. A free truck safety handout can also be downloaded off the site with top tips for correct tyre truck maintenance.

Since the Health and Safety Offences Act came into force in January 2009, UK courts how have much greater authority to prosecute businesses for committing offences such as fitting illegal tyres and the maximum penalty is a £20,000 fine. Drivers are also under pressure from VOSA, to ensure they are driving with legal tyres, with drivers risking roadside fines of up to £200 per offence.

Tyre safety is an important factor for any company running a fleet of vehicles, whether you run cars, vans, buses, trucks or other HGV’s.

Bike Tyre Safety Month

During April, TyreSafe had its busiest month to date with over 26,700 visits to their website during their latest tyre safety compaign. TyreSafe’s Bike Tyre Safety Month was being promoted with top tips for bike tyre safety and maintenance in addition to the good advice they already provide for cars, vans and trucks.

Throughout April hundreds of garages and tyre retailers around the country offered free tyre checks to bikers plus 14,000 tyre safety leaflets were were handed out at key events across the UK. There is a also a download of the leaflet available off their website. Stuart Jackson, the chairman of TyreSafe, said “We look forward to building on the success of Bike Tyre Safety Month as we look ahead to October’s Car Tyre Safety Month campaign. Our website will once again play a key part in reaching out to motorists and engaging their interest in tyre safety”.

Defective tyres

TyreSafe is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of tyre safety and the importance of recognising the dangers of defective and worn tyres. They have campaigned consistently for over 15 years and have been credited with reducing the number of defective tyres in the UK over the past decade from 18 % down to 12 %.

They receive positive support from major tyre manufacturers and retailers and they were rewarded with the Prince Michael International Road safety Award in 2001.

The growth in interest and use of motorcycles and scooters has led Protyre, one of the UK’s leading independent tyre dealer network’s, to invest in establishing 21 dedicated “Two-Wheel-Centres” in the UK dedicated to bike riders. The new centres offer a “ride in and ride out service” and to support the launch of these dedicated centres, Protyre has launched a new motorcycle tyre website.

The new website has just been launched and will progressively be updated regularly with bike related sales information and advice, plus tyre safety tips. Protyre has also teamed up with Bridgestone to offer a £10 discount on the purchase of two Bridgestone tyres or a free fitting as an alternative. The voucher can be downloaded off the website until the end of June.

As an added incentive to visit the new website, Protyre has created a 2-Wheel Challenge with 20 bike related questions. Commenting on the launch of the Protyre Two Wheel Centres, retail director Simon Hiorns said, ” Most tyre dealers focus on car tyres and we felt that bikers were getting a raw deal hence the creation of our Two Wheel Centres and our new website. We guarantee that our specifically trained staff will provide the best possible levels of service and advice. Once again Protyre is leading the retail tyre industry and providing a first class service”.