Tougher re lawsi
Page 12
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PROPOSALS for toughening up Department of Transport last wee tyre laws were announced by the k.
Current requirements determine that a tyre should have a minimum tread depth of lmm covering at least three quarters of the tyres width around the full circumference.
Under the new proposals the irnm tread depth over at least three quarters of the tyre width would have to be in a contin uous band around the full circumference. To prevent the use of excessively worn tyres and as an aid to enforcement the remaining one quarter of the tyre width would have to carry a visible tread pattern.
Following a two-month consultation period with interested parties the DTp intends to intro duce the amended regulations in the new year.
The National Tyre Distributors Association has already voiced its objections stating 12 reasons why the proposals are inadequate and proposes that tread depth should be increased to 1.6mm or even 2mm across the full width of the tyre for safety reasons.
These objections are unlikely to influenced the DTP's view as the tyre industry discussed proposed changes to the tyre laws with former Junior Transport Minister Kenneth Clark in October 1981.