Be a tyre safety hero and A.C.T!

LIVERPOOL City Council is supporting Tyre Safety Month by asking all drivers to:- "Be a tyre safety hero" and remember to get in on the A.C.T!

The Call to action stands for checking your car's: Air Pressure, Condition, Tread; and it could save your life and your job!

The appeal, which will be supported by road safety operations by Merseyside Police, comes as data shows 1 in 5 motorists in the City could have illegal tyres; a tread below 1.6mm ; on their vehicle.

Tyres are the vehicle's only point of contact with the road and once the tyre treads drop below 2mm, the risk of a puncture or aquaplaning on wet roads dramatically increases. The annual campaign coincides with the marked drop in sunlight and the increased regularity of stormy, wet weather.

Tyresafe, the national charity on the issue, noted that new national data published by the DfT last month shows there were 190 tyre-related fatalities or seriously injured casualties (KSIs) in 2023; up 29% from 2022 (147).

The 2023 figure is also the highest number of casualties due to tyre defects since 2018. Tyresafe are also highlighting the issue of trye safety with young drivers and the legal and economic consequences as they embark on new careers.

Drivers who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points for each illegal tyre. And that's just per tyre. If all 4 tyres are found to be dangerous, you could be looking at a £10,000 fine and 12 penalty points, which could lead to a driving ban.

So be a tyre safety hero and ACT by carrying out these simple checks:-

• Air Pressure - Correct tyre pressures reduce the risk of experiencing a rapid deflation, and ensure optimal braking and handling. Correctly inflated tyres also last longer and use less fuel. You can find the recommended pressure in your door shut, fuel filler cap or owner's manual and you can top up with air at most service Stations.
  

• Condition - Check your tyres for any bulges, lumps or cuts and remove any stones or objects from the tread. If something doesn't look right, have it inspected immediately by a tyre professional. Make sure that you carry out these checks once a month, and before long journeys.
  

• Tread - Your tyres' tread is critical for acceleration, braking, steering and cornering. The legal minimum limit for car tyre tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central 3 quarters of the tread around its entire circumference. To check your tread, place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre. If the outer band of the coin is obscured, then your tread depth is above the legal limit. If the outer band of the coin is visible, then your tyres may be illegal and unsafe.

Motorists are also asked to check the spare tyre or the compressor and sealant if no spare has been fitted.

Many tyre retailers offer complimentary, no-obligation tyre checks so please contact them if you are worried about the state of your tyres.

As part of Tyre Safety month, TyreSafe has produced several resources available on:- TyreSafe.Org.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- "It's so obvious but checking on your tyres could be the most important thing you do this month; and arguably ever! The statistics are alarming, and if more people followed the Call to A.C.T. our roads would be a lot more safer. So do the sensible thing ; check your car tyres. It could save your life; and others who share our roads."

Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, said:- "Tyre safety is not just a responsibility, it's a lifesaving habit. By getting:- 'Caught in the ACT.' this October, drivers can become their own tyre safety heroes and contribute to safer roads across the UK. This campaign is a fun and engaging way to remind everyone of the critical role that tyres play in keeping us safe."

Chief Inspector Steve Robinson, of Merseyside Police, said:- "We are working to reduce collisions in Liverpool as we strive towards our joint goal of Vision Zero. Across Liverpool this year we have already seen a reduction in serious and fatal collisions, but we must continue our efforts to make our roads a safer place for everyone. This tyre safety month, local officers will be conducting dedicated road safety activity, with particular focus around Safe Vehicles, including:- the condition of tyres and other construction to ensure vehicles are fit for colder, harsher weather."

Old Dog Seeks New Digs

A 12 year old French Bulldog Cross named Jay is desperately searching for the perfect retirement home, after waiting for over 7 months in the care of Dogs Trust Merseyside.

Dogs Trust Merseyside is hoping this Grandparents day, Sunday, 6 October 2024, will be the day Jay gets lucky and finds a sofa he can Call his own where he can settle down for a happy retirement.

Jay was originally adopted from the charity over 8 years ago but found himself back at the rehoming centre in March after a change in his owner's circumstances. Although 8 years older (and wiser!) Jay is still the cheeky, charming lad he was during his 1st stay at the rehoming centre. He is an active boy and loves his walks so much that he even puts his own harness on; you can teach this old dog new tricks!

Despite all Jay has to offer a new family, he has been overlooked by potential rehomers and staff at Dogs Trust Merseyside think this could be because of his age.

Georgina Lowery, Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Merseyside, says:- "Jay may be a bit grey around the whiskers, but that shouldn't put people adopting him. He is a lively, happy boy, and is always willing to say hello to people. Despite all this, he has yet to bag a retirement home, after a 7 month hunt for the perfect pad. Sadly, we are not surprised this golden oldie is still looking for his forever home. Older dogs in our care are often overlooked, but if you can see past the odd grey hair, you will be surprised at how much they have to offer. Older dogs are more likely to be fully house-trained and, as they are older and wiser, they usually know other training basics too. And, as the saying goes, you can still teach an older dog new tricks!"

On average, dogs spend just under 50 days in the care of Dogs Trust while they wait for their forever home. Sadly, older dogs like Jay can often take much longer to rehome. Around 9% of dogs currently in the charity's care; 137 hounds ; are older pooches. Although it is hoped that these O.A.Ps (Old Aged Pooches) will go on to find their forever homes, thanks to Dogs Trust's policy of never putting a healthy dog to sleep, these dogs will be cared for by the charity for as long as is needed, regardless of their age.

Jay is looking for a retirement home where he is the only pet. He can live with teenagers, and although he is housetrained, he isn't used to spending time alone so will need owners who can be with him for most of the day.

For more information on the older dogs in the care of Dogs Trust Merseyside, visit:- DogsTrust.Org.UK.