The Countryside Alliance is encouraging owners of HGVs – including horseboxes and livestock carriers – to check their tyres following new legislation.
The latest legislation, that came into force on February 1, 2021, states tyres aged over 10 years old are no longer permitted for use on the front steered axles of HGVs, buses, coaches or all single wheels fitted to a minibus (nine to 16 passenger seats).
“If tyres exceed the age limit it could come at considerable expense to vehicle owners with a dangerous fail at the annual test which means it can’t be driven away until the fault has been repaired,” explained Polly Portwin from the Countryside Alliance.
“It would also result in an immediate prohibition notice being issued if inspected at a DVSA enforcement check.
We are highlighting this change in legislation in order to help ensure that our supporters are fully aware of the updated rules and can make sure their vehicles are compliant.
In addition, the manufacturer’s date code must be legible on all tyres on HGVs, trailers over 3,500kg, buses, coaches and minibuses.
The Countryside Alliance recommends that owners of all relevant vehicles refer to the Explanatory Memorandum for further details.
HGV license requirements
In order to become an HGV driver in the UK of any class, you need to apply for your provisional licence and then take a medical exam.
Following on from that, the applicant must undergo a theory test, get the driver CPC certification and receive training from a DVLA approved instructor.
Once this is complete the applicant may then take the practical test, and then clock up 35 hours of additional training every five years.
