Gardai to target motorists with poor tyres

MORE than a quarter of tyres on our roads are dangerously under the legal tread limit, according to a new study.

The startling figures are revealed as gardai prepare a roadside blitz on this key area of safety.

Twenty per cent of the tyres checked were down to just one millimetre – well below the legal limit of 1.6mm. That is only one-third of what is recommended by safety experts.

Research has found that cars with tyres slightly below the legal limit take twice as long to stop as those with new tyres, which typically have a tread depth of 8mm.

Safety chiefs have warned that the problem is putting lives at risk.

The survey was carried out on tyres that came into a large number of garages last month.

Conducted by the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) it found that 27pc of tyres were below the legal tread depth of 1.6mm, with almost 20pc having only 1mm or less.

Only 40pc of those assessed were at or above the 3mm mark.

Checks

The results come as gardai prepare to specifically concentrate on tyres in their roadside checks on October 9.

Assistant Commissioner John Twomey, head of the Traffic Corps, said: “Although the minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm for cars and 1mm for motorcycles, the simple fact is the more tread depth you have, the more grip you have on the road.

“Considering we are moving into wetter weather, this fact is all the more relevant.

“We appeal to all drivers and riders to specifically check the tread depth and condition of their tyres and arrange for them to be changed, if necessary.”

As part of the Road Safety Authority’s Road Safety Week, which starts Monday, ITIA outlets are offering free checks.

ITIA president Kevin Farrell said: “A majority of motorists are failing to replace their tyres at the point where their stopping performance dips significantly. Worn tyres can cost lives. A simple five-minute visit is all it takes to ensure your tyres are fit for purpose.”

Michael Rowland, director of Driver Education and Research at the RSA, also warned against using part-worn tyres.