The Road Safety Authority  (RSA) has launched a public consultation  to seek the views of members of the public, industry and other interested parties on policy options available for part-worn tyres.

The RSA says in recent years there has been a large increase in the number of part-worn tyres sold in Ireland. Part-worn tyres are tyres which have been previously fitted to other vehicles and are subsequently sold with a certain amount of usable tread remaining.  However, as part-worn tyres are not required to undergo a check before being placed on sale, there is a concern that tyres may be sold which are not fit for purpose.

The RSA wishes to establish whether or not there is a need to introduce controls and minimum standards for part worn tyres before they can be offered for sale and fitted to vehicles. The measures proposed include raising public awareness on using part-worn tyres, the introduction of regulations setting minimum tread depth and condition, and the use of labelling and certification so that purchasers have full information if purchasing these tyres.

The consultation document Part Worn Tyres Public Consultation is available to download from www.rsa.ie. The consultation period begins on 8th November 2013 and the closing date for submissions is the 20th December 2013. Feedback to the consultation should be emailed to: pwtconsultation@rsa.ie or posted to;

Part Worn Tyres Consultation,
Vehicle Standards,
Moy Valley Business Park
Primrose Hill
Ballina
Co. Mayo