The TyreCheck 2025 report provides a comprehensive analysis of UK tyre safety standards, revealing a mixed story of progress in reducing illegal tyres but a significant and concerning rise in “barely legal” tyres
Key National Findings (25-Year Comparison: 2000 vs. 2025)
The study, which analysed over 58,000 vehicles, indicates a shifting risk profile on UK roads
- Illegal Tyres Reduced, But Still a Problem: The percentage of tyres worn below the legal minimum of 1.6mm has decreased from 10.0% in 2000 to 7.7% in 2025
- The “Barely Legal” Challenge is Growing: The most striking trend is the sharp rise in tyres classified as “Barely Legal” (1.6mm to 2.0mm tread depth). This category has increased dramatically from 17.0% in 2000 to 31.8% in 2025. This suggests a widespread shift toward reactive maintenance, where replacement is delayed until necessary, compromising safety margins.
- Overall Safety Risk Increased: The combined illegal and barely legal rate has risen from 27.0% in 2000 to 39.5% in 2025, meaning nearly two in every five vehicles on UK roads present some level of elevated safety risk. Tyres in the “barely legal” range offer significantly less grip, especially in wet conditions.
Regional Disparities and Critical Hotspots
The report highlights stark regional disparities, with some areas facing urgent safety crises
Recommendations
The report calls for immediate and strategic actions
- Emergency Intervention: Immediate, comprehensive intervention is required in critical hotspots.
- Promote Proactive Maintenance: Strategic recommendations focus on developing a proactive maintenance culture.
- Policy Review: The substantial increase in barely legal tyres suggests that raising the legal minimum tread depth to 2.0mm should be considered
- Set Clear Targets: A goal to reduce the national illegal tyre rate to 5% or lower and cut the barely legal rate to no more than 25% by 2030.
Download the full report here NDTA-TyreCheck-report-FINAL