Case Study Overview
This case study chronicles a two-part safety campaign by Lancashire County Council, Trading Standards, and TyreSafe. The initiative began with an investigation in April 2025 that uncovered widespread non-compliance and dangerous practices in the part-worn tyre market.
The second phase, conducted through follow-up visits in August 2025, focused on educating retailers and encouraging safer business practices.
This case study highlights the positive outcomes of this educational intervention and outlines potential next steps for the campaign.
Before: A Dangerous Market
An initial multi-agency investigation in Preston revealed a disturbing and dangerous reality about the state of part-worn tyres being sold to the public. The findings were stark and highlighted a widespread failure to comply with The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994.
- 100% Non-Compliance: A day of action found that out of 30 part-worn tyres inspected, not a single one met the legal requirements for sale in the UK.
- Lack of Stamping: The investigation highlighted that none of the tyres were properly marked with the legally required “PART-WORN” stamp, a critical indicator that they have undergone a series of safety checks.
- Faulty Puncture Repairs: Puncture repairs were found that did not comply with the British Standard, creating a significant safety risk.
- Incorrect Pressure Testing: There was a misunderstanding among some retailers regarding the required inflation pressure test. The test must be to the highest pressure at which the tyre manufacturer says it is designed to operate, not the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This omission can hide internal structural defects that only become apparent when the tyre is fully inflated.
- Outright Dangerous Defects: Beyond non-compliance with regulations, the investigation uncovered outright dangerous faults, including embedded screws, serious structural defects, and sidewall tears, which posed a risk of “catastrophic failure” on the road.
Read the press release: Part-worn tyres investigation found none met legal requirements
The Intervention: Education and Engagement
In response to these alarming findings, a follow-up campaign was conducted to educate retailers on their legal obligations and safety standards. Trading Standards officers and road safety personnel engaged directly with business owners and employees, providing hard copies of a press release and trade advice documents.
The notes from these visits reveal the campaign’s significant impact:
- Managers who were initially “unforthcoming” became “happy to talk” and explain their trade.
- Some retailers were found to be “quite keen on safety” and welcomed the advice, demonstrating a willingness to improve their practices.
The Impact: A Significant Safety Improvement and Next Steps
The campaign led to a fundamental shift in business practices, resulting in a significant safety improvement. The notes highlight that several businesses were already reducing or completely stopping the sale of part-worn tyres.
- Shifting to Safer Products: Some retailers had moved away from part-worn tyres, instead selling new tyres, even if they were budget-friendly options. This is a key safety improvement.
- Reduced “Comeback”: One of the key reasons given by retailers for this change was the “high level of comeback” with part-worn tyres. Businesses reported they had “a lot of comeback” with these tyres in the past and now advise customers to buy new tyres. This demonstrates that the campaign successfully addressed a core business concern.
- Encouraging Compliance: The direct engagement led to a greater understanding of the legislation. The contact provided an opportunity to explain the importance of critical checks and adherence to regulations, which could lead to a higher chance of future compliance.
Next Steps
Based on the positive outcomes, it has been suggested that a ‘retailers education session’ could be a further intervention. This session would build on the initial engagement, offering a structured environment for retailers to learn more about the regulations, best practices, and the long-term benefits of selling safer tyres, further contributing to a safer environment for all road users.
Read more about Part Worn Tyres