Revealed: extent of East Mids drivers allowing tyres to wear below legal safety standard

New research has found that drivers in the East Midlands are more likely than the national average to keep their tyres beyond the legal wear limit.

A possible explanation is the cost of living crisis continuing to have an effect on families, resulting in an increased risk of fines, penalty points and MOT failures. 

As the cost of living continues to put pressure on many families, new data has raised concerns that vital vehicle maintenance is being skipped by motorists frequently, with the East Midlands being one of the regions particularly affected. 

The study of HiQ gathered data analysed 13,800 tyre changes and measured the proportion of tyres being changed due to tread depth being beyond the 1.6mm legal threshold. It asked managers to record the proportion of tyres replaced due to excessive wear.

The study found that 41% of tyre changes happen because of excessive wear, defined as tyres being beyond the 1.6mm legal limit.  This compares to the national average of 36%, with regions of the South West and East Anglia reporting just 17% and 22% respectively. 

Neighbouring drivers in the West Midlands are considerably more diligent when it comes to changing tyres, with just 26% coming off cars in an illegal condition. 

The legal limit for tyres is 1.6mm, but in extreme cases, driving with worn tyres can trigger claims of using a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

For cars and light commercial vehicles, this can result in a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre and three licence penalty points, according to the DVLA. If all four tyres are deemed dangerous, the fine could total £10,000, along with twelve licence points.  Regular tyre inspections and prompt repairs are therefore essential to mitigate these risks.

Recommending that drivers seek guidance if in doubt, Craig Sprigmore from Goodyear said: "We set out to examine the regional differences to tyre maintenance.  The study uncovered wide differences between different regions. It is crucial to everyone’s safety on the road that tyres are replaced at the recommended level.”