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New taxi tyre safety campaign launched after illegally worn tyres found on taxi and PHVs
- Perry Richardson
- 41 minutes ago
- 2 min read
TyreSafe has launched a dedicated suite of tyre safety resources for the taxi and private hire vehicle sector following several enforcement cases involving dangerously worn tyres.
The materials are intended to help professional drivers, operators, fleet managers and licensing authorities carry out routine checks, understand legal requirements and identify when tyres need professional attention or replacement.
Recent enforcement action in Liverpool resulted in the immediate suspension of a Sefton-licensed private hire vehicle after licensing officers found a tyre with white reinforcing cords exposed across its inner surface.
Another Sefton-licensed vehicle was removed from service during a joint operation by Liverpool City Council Licensing and Merseyside Tunnel Police after two tyres with exposed cords were discovered.
A Bristol-licensed private hire vehicle was also suspended during overnight enforcement activity after officers found a tyre worn almost completely smooth. Separately, a Knowsley-licensed private hire driver received penalty points and fines after being prosecuted for operating with two illegal tyres.
TyreSafe said the cases demonstrated the importance of regular inspections in a sector where vehicles commonly cover considerably greater mileages than private cars. Illegal tyres can expose drivers to prosecution, penalty points and vehicle suspensions, with the loss of service also potentially affecting operators, passengers and driver earnings.
The guidance covers TyreSafe’s ACT check, which stands for air pressure, condition and tread. It also addresses daily inspections, legal tread-depth requirements, correct tyre pressures and warning signs including cuts, bulges and exposed cords.
Advice on buying part-worn tyres has been included in recognition of the financial pressures facing professional drivers. TyreSafe said a part-worn tyre must be inspected and pressure tested before sale, permanently marked “PART-WORN”, have at least 2mm of tread remaining and be free from dangerous defects.
The organisation warned that previous checks involving Trading Standards, police forces and local authorities had uncovered part-worn tyres with structural damage, exposed cords, unsafe repairs and missing statutory markings. Drivers are being encouraged to use reputable retailers, establish the history and compliance of tyres and choose new products where possible.
TyreSafe is partnering with Liverpool City Council Licensing to distribute printed easy-reference guides and educational posters directly to licensed drivers. Liverpool has the largest Hackney Carriage fleet outside London, giving the initiative access to thousands of professional drivers.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said: “The recent enforcement cases are an important reminder that illegal or poorly maintained tyres remain a real and preventable risk. Whilst the overwhelming majority of taxi and private hire drivers are committed professionals who maintain their vehicles to a high standard, these incidents demonstrate why regular tyre checks can never be overlooked.”
Lovatt added: “Education, guidance, support and enforcement must go hand in hand. Whilst enforcement removes unsafe vehicles from our roads, guidance and knowing what to look out for helps prevent them getting there in the first place.”
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards, said the authority hoped that combining educational material with its continuing compliance work would encourage preventative checks and help keep licensed vehicles safe, legal and roadworthy.
TyreSafe is urging councils, operators, fleet managers and taxi associations to incorporate the free materials into licence applications and renewals, vehicle inspections, driver inductions and wider road-safety programmes.
