Overview
In October 2024, TyreSafe partnered with the Jersey Government to conduct a two-day tyre checking event. The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the importance of tyre safety, collect data on the condition of tyres in Jersey, and provide free tyre checks to local vehicle owners.
The Event
The event took place on October 7th and 8th at Les Jardins Car Park and Patriotic Car Park in St. Helier. Staff from Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) and the Infrastructure and Environment Department’s Road Safety team, trained by TyreSafe and Translogik, conducted the checks using tyre measurement scanners. Local business TAF Tyres provided advice and services for those needing tyre replacements.
Key Findings
· 246 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 984 tyres being analysed.
· 41% of tyres were ‘premium’ brands, 10% were mid-range, and 48% were budget tyres.
· 849 were summer tyres, 74 were all-season tyres
· 3 were over 17 years old!
· 27% of tyres were borderline, and 21% needed replacing.
Common Issues Identified
· Mismatched tyres – Different brands or patterns on the same axle.
· Cracked tyres – A sign of aging, exposure to sunlight, or ozone (common in coastal communities).
· Damaged tyre tread – Compromises traction and increases stopping distances.
· Notches in the sidewall – Can damage the carcass ply and lead to pressure loss.
· Worn tyre tread – Can result in fines and safety risks.
· Worn tyre shoulders – Often caused by misalignment or under inflation.
· Old tyres – Over 10 years old can become hardened and crack.
· Hernia – A bubble on the sidewall indicates a punctured carcass ply.
Call to Action
TyreSafe’s A.C.T. campaign reminds drivers to;
· Check Air Pressure – Ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommendations.
· Check Condition – Look for cuts, bulges, or damage.
· Check Tread Depth – Measure the tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
TyreSafe recommends checking your tyres at least once a month and before any long journey. If you find any issues, seek professional advice.
Conclusion
The TyreSafe initiative in Jersey was a resounding success, highlighting the need for greater awareness and action regarding tyre safety. The event provided valuable data and insights, helping to identify common tyre problems and promote safer driving practices. By following TyreSafe’s A.C.T. guidelines, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of tyre-related incidents and ensure their safety on the road.
Image – From Left to Right – Stuart Lovatt (TyreSafe Chair), Andy Jehan (Minister for Infrastructure – Government of Jersey), Louisa Phillips (Head of Strategic Road Safety – Government of Jersey), Kevin Hennelly (Sales Director – Translogik)
2026 Update – A Sustained Trajectory of Success
Building on the foundations laid in 2024, the Jersey tyre safety initiative has demonstrated remarkable year-on-year progress. A report published in February 2026 by the Infrastructure Department reveals that safer tyres are increasingly becoming the norm on the Island’s roads, following a series of extensive spot-checks conducted during the 2025 Tyre Safety Month.
Key Improvements in 2025/26
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Widespread Compliance – Of the 604 tyres inspected across high-traffic locations—including the Jersey Rally at the Royal Jersey Showground, Les Jardins, and Jersey Airport—91.6% were classed as being in “fine” condition. This represents a significant increase from 83.6% in 2024.
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Reduction in Risk – The proportion of tyres in “poor” condition has nearly halved, falling from 7.9% to 4.1%. Similarly, tyres categorised as “borderline poor” reduced from 8.6% to 4.3%.
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Legal Standards – Jersey’s Collision and Casualty Reduction Plan set an ambitious Safety Performance Indicator for 100% of tyres to exceed the legal tread depth of 1.6mm by 2027. The latest data shows the Island is closing in on this target, with 99.7% of tyres meeting the legal limit in 2025, up from 97.6% the previous year.
Proactive Enforcement and Education
The initiative continues to combine education with enforcement. While the majority of motorists are adhering to safety standards, the 2025 checks identified 51 tyres with issues—25 of which required “immediate replacement.” In these instances, vehicle owners were contacted directly by Driver and Vehicle Standards (DVS) to ensure the defects were rectified immediately.