An increasing number of vans are being operated with high levels of tyre wear, according to i247 Group.
The driver support and asset management company said it had seen the percentage of vans operating with less than 2mm of tyre tread depth increase from 30% in 2019, to 40% in 2023. The legal limit is 1.6mm.
The company has pointed out that driving with heavily worn tyres affects a vehicle’s ability to brake efficiently and maintain sufficient surface grip during wet or winter conditions. It says low-tread tyres are also more likely to suffer punctures and lose air pressure which impacts fuel economy and steering.
I247 Group said it believed the rise in low-tread tyres was being caused by increased pressure on van fleets, with the same vehicle often being used for consecutive driver shifts, and drivers lacking time to carry out maintenance checks.
I247 Group director of tyres David Legg said: “We’re really concerned about the rise we’re seeing in fleets operating with low levels of tyre tread with some at illegal levels.
“We know van fleets are under pressure right now but we’re urging fleets to give their drivers time to carry out critical tyre checks regularly. This is especially important at this time of year when delivery volumes are so high.
“Vehicle checks should take place in the same way as any other job critical tool pre-use. Fleets must ensure maintenance checks are being carried out. There are a number of tools and apps on the market to facilitate this which will help to ensure compliance and driver safety.”
