Van tyre abuse increases

23 February 2011

Story from Fleet News.

There has been a rise in the number of van and light commercial vehicle operators in the UK who are at risk of causing an accident due to not looking after their tyres properly.

The latest VOSA effectiveness report shows that tyre condition remains the most frequent prohibition defect at spot checks on light goods vehicles across the country, but worryingly, the incidence rate has increased from 20% in 2007/08 and in 2008/09 to just under 26% in 2009/10.

“Van tyres lead a particularly hard life so it is critical that operators regularly check the condition of their tyres for signs of damage or premature and uneven wear,” explains Stuart Jackson, chairman of Driving for Better Business partner TyreSafe.

“Building site debris or regular scuffing on kerbs during delivery drops can cause significant damage to tyres. If left unchecked, they may fail at a critical moment, risking serious injury for the driver and other road users.”

Responsibility for the condition of the tyres on the vehicle lies both with the van driver and the business itself.

Business owners also have a responsibility and duty of care obligation to provide their employees with a safe working environment, which includes the provision of safe and roadworthy vehicles.

Read the full story at fleetnews.co.uk.