The next step

The government’s guidance on tyre defects

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Identify tyre defects through routine inspection

Staying alert. The government has published detailed information on its website to assist HGV, bus and trailer operators in assessing tyres between MOTs (see The next step ). The information will be useful for supervisors, drivers and vehicle maintenance staff.

What’s covered? There are sections on: (1) how to check tyres , i.e. by using a blunt probe; (2) irregular wear; (3) abrasion to tyre side walls; and (4) damage such as cuts and bulges. For example, the guide advises that cords must not be visible where a tyre has an abrasion or cut. There are real-life pictures to show those conditions which are considered so dangerous that the vehicle needs to be taken off the road. There are also illustrations of defects which will lead to the issuing of an Inspection Notice during a roadside check.

Tip. Ensure that there are frequent inspections of company vehicles for roadworthiness. Supplement your drivers’ pre-use checks with additional audits to check that drivers’ inspections are valid.

For a link to the government’s guidance on tyre defects, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone , year 19, issue 09.