Illegal tyre halts Wolverhampton private hire vehicle from working in Liverpool

Image credit: Liverpool City Council Licensing

Liverpool Licensing Officers intercepted a private hire vehicle (PHV) from Wolverhampton operating in Liverpool city centre with an illegal tyre last night.

The Liverpool City Council Licensing spokesperson announced via social media that the vehicle's licence has been suspended and the driver will be reported.

Tyre maintenance is crucial for vehicle safety. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Driving with tyres below this limit can lead to fines and penalty points on your licence.

To check tyre tread depth, use a tread depth gauge. Insert the gauge into the grooves of the tyre. If the tread is below 1.6mm, the tyre needs replacing. Alternatively, many tyres have tread wear indicators – small raised bars within the grooves. When the tread is level with these bars, it's time for new tyres.

Licensing officers suggested drivers conduct regular tyre checks, especially on PHV’s due to the high number of miles covered by the vehicle.

A Liverpool City Council Licensing spokesperson said via social media: “Liverpool Licensing Officers discovered this Wolverhampton PHV operating in Liverpool City Centre early this morning with an illegal tyre.

“Vehicle licence was suspended and driver to be reported. Please check your vehicles tyres regularly as they cover a lot of mileage.”