CUMBRIA police will be supporting Tyre Safety’s October campaign, which aims to reduce the number of road collisions across the county.

The campaign, ‘Don’t Chance It, Check It’, aims is to ensure that tyres are in the correct condition and are changed before they become illegal and dangerous.

A survey conducted by TyreSafe in partnership with Highways England showed that more than one-in-four British motorists are replacing their tyres when they were already illegal, equating to over 10 million illegal and dangerous tyres in 2016.

The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre around its entire circumference.

Driving on tyres which are below this limit is not only dangerous but illegal, and can lead up to a £2,500 fine and three penalty points for each tyre.

Officers from the Operational Support Unit will be conducting checks on vehicles throughout the county and will enforce the law where necessary.

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PC Shaun McKeown said:

“Driving with defective tyres is one the largest contributory factors to accidents.

“Under-inflated tyres will wear out quickly, therefore increase the need to replace more frequently. Your vehicle will also use more fuel, therefore increasing your bills.

“Don’t put checking off, it could save your life.”

Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month or before any long journeys.

The correct pressure settings for vehicles can be found inside the vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate on the driver's door sill.

You can also search TyreSafe’s online database by entering the vehicle's registration number.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I welcome the proactive approach from the police as part of the TyreSafe campaign. Now that we are approaching the winter, with the increasing likelihood of more difficult driving conditions such as wet weather, it is more important than ever to carry out these simple checks.”

Tips for checking tyres:

  • The 20p test is an easy way to test your tyre tread. This can be done simply by placing a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of the tyre. If the outer band of the 20p coin is obscured when it is inserted, then tread is above the legal limit.
  • Check tyre pressure at least once a month.
  • Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.
  • Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
  • If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.
  • Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.
  •  Check the pressure in all four tyres – and don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
  • While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
  • If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre.

Advice about road safety will be tweeted throughout the month from the Constabulary’s Operational Support Unit Twitter account - @CumbriaRoadsPol.

To join the conversation, use #CumbriaRoads.