HC Deb 23 April 1980 vol 983 cc197-8W
Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Minister of Transport if he is satisfied that the police forces can implement the existing tyre tread depth law in a satisfactory manner.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Many successful prosecutions have been based on the present law on tyre tread depth. However, the reference to three-quarters of the breadth of the tread causes difficulty in some cases and I have received and am considering some representations in favour of, and some opposing, a change in this provision.

Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Minister of Transport if he has received any representations about the 75 per cent. aspect of the present tyre tread depth laws.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Representations have been made, primarily by the National Tyre Distributors' Association, that the requirement of 1mm minimum tread depth should be applied to the whole of the width of the tyre, not merely three-quarters. However, other bodies, including the AA and the RAC, have urged the view that this would not be justified.