One of the more undignified situations
which can befall us in the winter months is to slip on an icy patch of pavement
or road; if the latter a lack of dignity is the least of the possible
outcomes. Those few square inches of
leather or rubber on the soles of our feet just did not have sufficient
friction to prevent our losing balance.
It is incredible to consider that about the same such area is the area a
tyre has in contact with a road surface. All that steering and braking
technology has zero value if the tyre behaves as our footwear on that icy
street.
Apparently over 87% of the 10,228
prosecutions for defective tyres last year were proved. My personal experience of such cases is that
other charges are often brought in addition.
Rarely is the maximum fine of £2,500 imposed but the three penalty
points are mandatory and can lead unsuspecting drivers to the totting limit of
twelve. Considering that the cost of
tyres, economy brands included, is so relatively low the price for neglect in
this regard can be extremely high in every meaning of that word especially when
considered as an aggravating circumstance in a more serious charge.
When all four tyres are defective, that's 12 points. I have noticed that when multiple defective tyres bring a driver from, say, three to 12 points, it is quite common for the court to decline to impose a ban. One can see why.
ReplyDelete(I am not trying to pretend to be a lawyer, by the way - I just happen to know a little about this.)
In certain circumstances it is wise to take an overall view of the offences and the disposal(s).
DeleteI fully agree - it was not a criticism, I approve of it.
DeleteIf someone does 80mph round 20 miles of the M25 they may pass 20 speed cameras. That doesn't mean they should get 60 points and a ban!