Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to commission research into tyre ageing on public service vehicles.

In 2013 the Department distributed information to bus and coach operators that provided guidance on how to establish the age of a tyre and gave precautionary advice that tyres over 10-years of age should only be fitted as part of a twin-wheel arrangement on a rear axle. This advice is reinforced by enforcement staff of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency who have been tasked with advising operators WHERE non-compliance is identified.

The Department has sought information concerning tyre ageing from both the UK and European trade associations of the tyre manufacturing and distribution industry. ItS STAFF haVE also attended manufacturing facilities in Northern Ireland and France, and remanufacturing facilities in the UK, to UNDERSTAND THE BEST ADVISED VIEW of tyre ageing within the industry. Expert advice suggests that tyre ageing is related to use and maintenance rather than simply chronological age.

These discussions HAVE influenced the production of the “Guide to Tyre Management on Heavy Vehicles” a free GUIDE produced with the support of the tyre industry, Senior Traffic Commissioner Bell and the Department. It sets out industry-recognised best practice regarding tyre maintenance and provides advice to operators about tyre choice, maintenance and safety. In October 2016, copies of the guide were sent to every registered bus and coach operator in the country.

The Department has gone to the market twice to commission research to establish scientific evidence in this field. These approaches have not been successful in establishing a robust programme of research, and the Department is reviewing these outcomes to establish how to proceed. The Department will publish the outcome of the research once completed.