The Service selected HMP Maghaberry’s Prisoner Escorting and Court Custody Service for the assessment – a mixed fleet of 13 trucks and 18 vans that has to handle kerbing issues, as well as speed bumps and manoeuvring in tight urban areas.
“Following the assessment, the Michelin technical team produced an in-depth report and offered advice on how to extend our tyre replacement intervals and minimise wear,” states a prison service spokesperson.
“This included recommending a regular audit of tyre pressures, and suggesting optimised pressure settings for each vehicle type,” he continues.
“We’ve also started trials with a number of premium fitments, and will be closely monitoring performance in an effort to realise long-term savings across the fleet.”
The service’s vehicles were previously operated on budget brand tyres so tyre replacement intervals were short, he adds.
Michelin says it weighed each wheel position to establish axle loads, and tyre pressure suggestions were then specified to optimise stability, grip and handling for vehicles across the fleet.
“Inviting Michelin to inspect the fleet cost us nothing, and we’re under no pressure to take any course of action as a result,” confirms the spokesperson.
“However, some of the suggestions provided offer real food for thought, and there’s a lot to be said for the excellent and courteous customer service such attention to detail provides,” he says.