UK bans truck/bus tires aged 10 years and over

London – In an effort to improve road safety, tires aged 10 years and older will be banned from lorries, buses and coaches on roads in England, Scotland and Wales. the UK government has announced.

The ban follows research commissioned by the country’s department for transport, showing that ageing tires can fail as a result of corrosion, said the 15 July statement,

The legislation to be laid down in the autumn, applies to tires for the front wheels of lorries, buses and coaches, and all wheels of minibuses.

The date of manufacture of each tire must be clearly visible to ensure that older tires are easy to spot, added the Westminster government’s announcement

Re-treaded tires will also be covered by the regulation, with the date of re-treading to be marked, making the age of the tire clearly visible.

“Taking this step will give drivers across the country confidence their lorries, buses and coaches are truly fit for use – a safety boost for road users everywhere,” said UK roads minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton

“Drivers, owners and operators are responsible for the safety of their vehicles,” she added. “This will also now include ensuring vehicle tires meet the new requirements. 

“The government will also be asking DVSA to continue checking tyre age as part of their routine roadside enforcement activities and adding an additional assessment to the [UK’s mandatory] annual vehicle test scheme.”