Deadly tyres scandal

Brendan Montague
Wednesday November 29, 2000
Manchester Evening News

ROGUE garages are putting lives at risk - by selling dangerous tyres.

A survey shows that four out of 10 garages in Wigan sold "potential death trap" part-worn tyres.

Eighty per cent failed to follow the law even after they were warned that they would be watched, say Trading Standards.
One tyre bought by an officer had a nail in it.

"These results beggar belief," said Wigan’s chief trading
standards officer Alan Blundell.

"Strict regulations are clearly being flouted far too often and the public are being put at risk.

"There is the potential for a fatal accident. If a tyre goes you don't know what can happen. Anybody with any sense
will know tyres have to be safe."

Mr Blundell said people should buy remoulds or new tyres.
“If you are concerned about safety, part-worn tyres should not be your first choice. You could be endangering
yourself, your family and other road users."

All dealers in the region have been told of the dangers and
advised that officers will visit soon to goods on sale.

Despite this, Trading Standards were "horrified" to find the number of poor part-worn tyres being sold had actually
increased - 40 per cent of the 10 shops visited by an
undercover officer sold faulty tyres, compared to 30 per cent in June. Eight failed to label tyres properly.

"Four such tyres being used on roads could mean at least four deaths," said Mr Blundell.

"We can use the force of law against the traders but we can't do more than advise the public who carry on buying these potential death traps.

"If you think you may have bought a dangerous tyre, we will be glad to have a look. It could save your life," he said.