The consultation is open until 1 September (click first link below): if supported, the Department for Transport says the new rules could be in force by early next year.
Following the ‘Tyred’ campaign – led by Frances Molloy, whose son was among three people who died in a coach crash caused by the failure of a 19-year-old tyre in 2012 – the government has put several measures in place, including updating the DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness to state that tyres of ten years and older should not be used on the front axles of HGVs, or on buses and coaches.
The DfT also commissioned independent research on the safety implications of ageing tyres in support of its proposed ban, releasing the findings earlier this month (see second link below).
Road safety minister Michael Ellis said: “There is increasing evidence that age affects the safety of tyres, which is why I think older tyres should not be used on large vehicles.
“I would like to thank Frances Molloy and the Tyred campaign for their work raising this important issue – the changes we are consulting on could save lives.”
The 10-week consultation also asks whether the proposed ban should be extended to taxis and private hire vehicles.