DVSA warns of further clampdown on tyres aged 10 years and older

Hauliers should expect to receive an S-mark prohibition and face a follow-up investigation if enforcement officers discover a tyre aged 10 years or older fitted to front axles from next year.

Secondary legislation to make old tyres illegal is currently being laid and they will be banned from the front wheels of HGVs from February 2021.

The government said tyres fitted in twin configuration will not be included, since a failure of one tyre in a pair presents a lower risk of loss of directional control or stability.

Once the rules change, the DVSA said if its enforcement teams find a tyre aged 10 years or older they will issue an S-mark prohibition and further investigations will follow.

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“DVSA already checks for tyres aged 10 years and older during roadside enforcement stops,” it said.

“This change in the law will allow us to issue prohibitions if these tyres are found at annual test and enforcement checks.

“In the lead up to the ban, VSAs [vehicle standards assessors] will start to identify tyres aged 10 years or older on HGVs, alongside their existing checks on PSVs.

“They’ll share this information with vehicle presenters and drivers to help raise awareness of the new rules.”

Traffic Commissioners will be notified of repeated non-compliances, which could be taken into account in any review of their O-licence.