UK ban on aged truck/bus tires comes into force

London – A ban on lorry, bus and coach tires aged 10 years and older has come into force in England, Scotland and Wales. the UK government has announced.

Published on 15 Jan, the ban applies to tires on “the front (steering) axle or axles of goods vehicles with a gross mass more than 3.5 tonnes, buses, coaches minibuses and also to the rear axle, or axles, unless equipped with twin wheels.”

The date of-manufacture date must be legible on the tires, while for retreads the date of re-treading will be used to determine the tire-age.

As ERJ reported last July, the ban follows research commissioned by the country’s department for transport, showing that ageing tires can fail as a result of corrosion,

“Taking this step will give drivers across the country confidence their lorries, buses and coaches are truly fit for use – a safety boost for road users everywhere,” UK roads minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton then stated.

“Drivers, owners and operators are responsible for the safety of their vehicles,” she added. “This will also now include ensuring vehicle tires meet the new requirements.”