TyreSafe has announced its support for the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) Fatal Four Operation, which is running throughout April 2025. The operation targets criminal use of the roads, with this year’s focus extending to the critical issue of vehicle condition and, specifically, tyre safety.
The UK road safety charity has underlined the potentially devastating consequences of driving or riding on illegal or poorly maintained tyres. In addition to the increased risk to life, motorists found with defective tyres may face criminal prosecution.
Recent data shows the scale of the problem. In 2023, 6,316 convictions were recorded for defective tyres. The five-year average stands at 6,502 convictions per year, according to the Criminal Justice System Statistics publication covering 2012–2023. However, TyreSafe believes the true extent of illegal tyre use may be much higher, with many incidents involving defective tyres going unreported.
TyreSafe’s own 2023 Tread Depth Survey estimates that up to six million tyres on UK roads are likely to be illegal at any given time. This alarming figure highlights the need for greater awareness and education around tyre safety, especially as vehicle defects are now recognised in RoSPA’s National Accident Prevention Strategy.
“Illegal or poorly maintained tyres significantly increase the risk of incidents that can change lives forever,” said Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe. “Our support for the NPCC’s Fatal Four Operation reflects TyreSafe’s ongoing commitment to reducing tyre-related casualties and raising awareness of the importance of regular tyre checks. With millions of illegal tyres potentially on our roads, it’s imperative that drivers and riders take action to ensure their tyres are safe and legal, helping to protect themselves and other road users.”
TyreSafe is encouraging police forces to integrate tyre checks into roadside vehicle inspections and safety events throughout the operation. The charity also continues to urge all road users to ACT once a month and before long journeys:
■ Air Pressure – Check and maintain correct tyre pressures.
■ Condition – Look for cuts, bulges, or visible signs of damage.
■ Tread Depth – Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
TyreSafe’s message is clear: taking a few minutes to check your tyres could prevent a life-changing incident. More information and tyre safety resources can be found at www.tyresafe.org.
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