The study involved analysing over 1000 tyre failure samples retrieved from the M1, M6, M40, M5 and M42. It was found that in three quarters of cases, failure was caused by poor inflation (18%) or debris penetration issues (56%) – problems that can be identified by simple checks.

 

“This important research confirms our view that road users must play a bigger role and get into the habit of checking tyre pressures and tread depths and looking out for nails and other debris stuck in tyres before setting out on journeys,” said Highways England’s head of road safety Richard Leonard. “These simple checks could save lives.”

 

Over 30 people were killed or seriously injured in motorway accidents in 2016 due to illegal or faulty tyres. Some of the samples analysed were described as particularly alarming, with a temporary ‘space-saver’ spare tyre having been run to destruction and a number illegal ‘string’ repairs found on some tyres.

 

In addition, incidents on the motorway are thought to cost as much as £135,000 for a two hour delay following a two lane closure, while a three lane closure lasting up to four hours costs £1.5M.

 

Bridgestone technical manager Gary Powell commented: “This report has taken a great deal of time and effort, involving a painstaking process of collecting tyre debris over 18 months and analysing it in depth thereafter.

 

“With proper vehicle inspection and maintenance programmes, many of the failure methods noted should be detectable and preventable. In light of these results, we would also advise that tyre pressure monitoring systems are fitted to vehicles which don’t benefit from this technology already.”