TYRED OUT
Warning for motorists as dangerous second-hand tyres up to 23 years old are being sold in UK - putting lives 'at risk'
Concern grows as part-worn wheels with serious safety defects, unsafe repairs and incorrect labeling are being flogged across the country
DANGEROUS second-hand tyres up to 23 years old are being sold by some dealers, putting lives at risk.
Part-worn tyres with serious safety defects, unsafe repairs and incorrect labeling are being sold across the country.
And officials found as many as 83 per cent of used tyres in some areas are being sold illegally. The 23-year-old tyre was found by trading standards officers from Durham county council.
They found only one of 39 samples at various dealers had a part-worn marking, required by law.
There were 25 with issues that risked safety, ten had dodgy repairs and nine were ten years old or more.
Officials found as many as 83 per cent of used tyres in some areas are being sold illegally
The Local Government Association (LGA) is urging motorists buying second-hand tyres to check that they bear the part-worn marking.
It lets drivers know it has been checked and meets legal requirements.
Figures suggest that around 4.5million part-worn tyres are being sold in the UK every year.
Sixteen people were killed and 908 hurt in reported accidents in 2015 where illegal, defective or under-inflated tyres were a factor, Government figures show. The LGA's Simon Blackburn called firms selling danger tyres "irresponsible" and said they have "questions to answer as they are putting lives at serious risk".
He also urged those tempted by cheaper part-worn's to check for cracks, tears, lumps and state of the tread before buying. Mr Blackburn added: "New tyres may offer better value for money in the long term."
HometyreGroup
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