TyreSafe, the UK road safety charity dedicated to tyre safety, is supporting the NPCC’s (National Police Chiefs’ Council) Fatal Four Operation, running from 1st to 28th April 2025, focusing on criminal use of the roads. This year’s operation highlights the critical role of vehicle condition in road safety, with TyreSafe emphasising the potential risks and devastating consequences associated with driving or riding on illegal or poorly maintained tyres, which could lead to criminal prosecutions in addition to posing risk to life.
In 2023 alone, 6,316 convictions were recorded for defective tyres, with a five-year average of 6,502 convictions per year (Source: Criminal Justice System Statistics publication: Proceedings and Outcomes 2012–2023). However, TyreSafe suspects these figures may only scratch the surface, with illegal or defective tyres often going unreported in incidents. TyreSafe’s 2023 Tread Depth Survey estimated that 6 million tyres on UK roads are likely to be illegal at any given time, demonstrating the scale of the issue and the need for heightened awareness among all road users. With vehicle defects now included in RoSPA’s National Accident Prevention Strategy it is now clear that we need to ensure that drivers and riders are aware of the implications of having unsafe tyres on their vehicles.
An illegal tyre can lead to catastrophic consequences, especially if it contributes to a collision. TyreSafe is advocating for tyre inspections and education to be integrated into roadside vehicle checks and safety events, to support road users in understanding the importance of safe and legal tyres.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Illegal or poorly maintained tyres significantly increase the risk of incidents that can change lives forever. Our support for the NPCC’s Fatal Four Operation reflects TyreSafe’s ongoing commitment to reducing tyre-related casualties and raising awareness of the importance of regular tyre checks. With millions of illegal tyres potentially on our roads, it’s imperative that drivers and riders take action to ensure their tyres are safe and legal, helping to protect themselves and other road users.”
TyreSafe urges all road users to ACT once a month, every month and before long journeys.
- Air Pressure – Check and maintain correct tyre pressures.
- Condition – Look for cuts, bulges, and other signs of wear or damage.
- Tread Depth – Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
For more information and resources to support tyre safety education, visit www.tyresafe.org.
