The Freight Transport Association has expressed concern at the Government's proposals published this week, to tighten tyre safety standards for lorries, buses and minibuses, but not for commercial vans - used in huge numbers by this industry, both for the transportation of goods and equipment and by those involved in providing services. In response to the publication of the consultation, James Firth, FTA's head of road freight regulation policy, commented:

"The FTA is calling for the Government to include vans in its consultation on banning 10-year-old tyres; with more than 4.2 million of these vehicles on our roads, van operators must be held against the same compliance and safety standards as any other commercial vehicle.

"The FTA is committed to ensuring the highest safety standards are met across the logistics industry; we want to see a strong enforcement effort against all vehicles which may compromise road safety, including caravans and trailers.

"Efficient logistics is vital to keep Britain trading, directly having an impact on more than seven million people employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With Brexit, new technology and other forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important."

The Government says it started looking into restricting the use of older tyres following a number of fatal accidents where tyre failure played an active part. Whether you agree with the FTA's sentiments or not, do have your say before the consultation ends on 31st August 2019 at www.gov.uk

We live in a litigation-conscious society and insurance providers have a reputation for wriggling out of paying claims if they can do so. My view is, that as a result of this consultation and whether commercial vans end up being included in future legislation or not, anyone driving or owning such a vehicle with tyres more than 10-years old, which happens to be involved in an accident, is likely to find themselves in trouble. The consultation is based on the idea that tyres more than 10-years old are not as safe as they should be, so anyone operating a vehicle with old tyres - however good a condition they may be in - is likely to be accused of failing in their duty of care. Don't you agree?

Yours,

Jan Hobbs