Tyres in use that are older than 10 years will lead to follow-up action by the DVSA, that could ultimately lead to the closure of an operation.
As a natural product, rubber dries with age becoming hard and perished. The deterioration can be internal and not visible during inspections. All tyres are marked with their age on the sidewall.
The new tougher stance is set out part of the revised Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and companion Categorisation of Defects published a fortnight ago.
Previously, tyres found to be over 10 years old, at roadside inspections or MoT, would have seen the operator issued with an advisory notice.
Now, if the operator is unable to provide an “adequate explanation”, the matter could be referred to the Traffic Commissioner for regulatory action, which can include being banned.
