Out-of-area private hire vehicle working in Liverpool suspended over dangerous tyre
Liverpool City Council Licensing officers have suspended a private hire vehicle (PHV) after discovering it with a dangerously worn tyre in the city centre.
The Knowsley-licensed vehicle was found with a front near-side tyre so worn that the internal cords were visible, posing a serious safety risk. The driver now faces further action.
UK law requires all vehicle tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the full circumference. Driving with tyres below this limit is illegal and can result in a fine of £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre. For taxis and private hire vehicles, enforcement officers regularly check compliance to ensure passenger and road user safety.
Tyres with exposed cords indicate severe wear, increasing the risk of blowouts and loss of control. Regular checks are essential, particularly for high-mileage vehicles such as taxis and PHVs. Liverpool’s licensing authority urged drivers to inspect their tyres frequently to avoid enforcement action and, more importantly, prevent accidents.
A Liverpool City Council Licensing spokesperson said on social media: “Liverpool Licensing Enforcement Officers discovered a Knowsley PHV being used in the City Centre with this front near side tyre fitted. The vehicles PHV licence was suspended, and the driver to be reported - this was an accident waiting to happen, so please check your tyres!”
