Steve Howat, General Manager – Technical Services at Continental Tyres UK:
“Responsible tyre maintenance is a critical factor in maximising road safety. We therefore welcome the Department for Infrastructure’s ruling in Northern Ireland to ban tyres aged 10 years and older on the front axles of HGVs, buses and coaches, aligning it to the rest of the UK.
“Though we are committed to helping operators to maximise the longevity of their tyres, everyone must take responsibility for doing so safely. Tyres naturally degrade over time and, as such, older tyres can carry a heightened risk of a high-pressure blowout. The consequences of a tyre failure can be devastating, especially when fitted to the steer axle of the vehicle.
“We encourage all fleet operators to operate a robust tyre service programme, which includes regular inspections and tyre pressure checks. One in five truck tyres is operated under or over the required tyre pressure for the wheel, demonstrating the need for ongoing education on the safety critical issue of tyre maintenance.
“Operators, drivers, technicians and retailers can familiarise themselves with the key truck tyre maintenance issues in our new series of awareness videos. The learnings are applicable to any truck tyre, no matter the brand, and reinforce our ambition to make our roads as safe as possible.”