TyreSafe is pleased to announce that Essex Police has become its latest road safety partner, strengthening a shared commitment to tackling illegal and dangerous tyres and improving road safety across one of the UK’s largest and most complex policing areas.
Essex Police is the largest non-metropolitan police force in the UK, serving a population of more than 1.86 million residents. The force covers a diverse geography that includes high-density urban centres, extensive agricultural land, 400 miles of coastline, one of the longest of any UK force and nationally significant infrastructure such as London Stansted Airport and the Port of Tilbury. Its jurisdiction spans 12 district and borough councils and two unitary authorities.
By joining more than 250 TyreSafe partners and supporters nationwide, Essex Police strengthens a growing national network dedicated to reducing collisions caused by illegal tyres and poor vehicle maintenance.
The year 2025 was described by Essex Police’s Head of Roads Policing, Adam Pipe, as one of the most “devastating” in recent memory due to a high number of fatalities. This led to a significant increase in enforcement activity across the county, with tyre defects frequently identified during roadside operations.
Police have emphasised that tyre offences are often discovered on the same vehicles where drivers are impaired by drink or drugs. Adam Pipe has highlighted that these “culture of risk” drivers frequently neglect basic vehicle maintenance alongside traffic law, compounding the danger to other road users.
During Operation Limit, the force’s anti-drink and drug driving campaign (December 2025 to January 2026) — tyre safety emerged as a recurring issue:
- In one incident, officers stopped a vehicle found to have four bald tyres, with two tyres worn down to the internal ply and cords. The vehicle was immediately prohibited from further use.
- In a single day of action in Maldon, officers recorded eight Construction and Use offences, including tyre-related defects such as insufficient tread depth and damaged sidewalls.
- At least one Traffic Offence Report was issued specifically for exposed tyre cord, a serious defect typically resulting in fines and penalty points.
- Working alongside Roads Policing, the Commercial Vehicle Unit deployed thermal imaging and tread depth gauges during checks on HGVs, reporting that a significant minority of commercial vehicles stopped were issued advisories or enforcement action for tyres approaching the legal minimum tread depth.
These findings underline the scale of the issue and the serious risks posed not only to drivers and passengers, but to all road users across Essex’s varied road network.
Inspector Steve Rooney, Roads Policing, Essex Police, said, “We are seeing first-hand just how many vehicles on our roads are being driven with tyres that are worn, defective, or in an outright dangerous condition. The risk to the public is enormous, yet the fear of detection among offenders remains low. By partnering with TyreSafe, we aim to raise awareness, improve compliance, and ultimately reduce avoidable harm on our roads.”
Illegal and poorly maintained tyres remain a significant and entirely preventable road safety risk. A compromised or damaged tyre can lead to loss of vehicle control, reduced braking performance, and increased stopping distances — particularly in wet conditions.
UK law requires that:
- Car and van tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, and HGVs and motorcycles of 50cc or more must have at least 1mm of tread, across the central three-quarters of the tread around the entire circumference.
- Tyres must be free from large cuts, lumps or bulges.
- Tyres must be of the correct size, speed rating and load capacity for the vehicle.
Driving on illegal tyres can result in a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per tyre.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We are delighted to welcome Essex Police as a TyreSafe road safety partner. The scale and diversity of Essex’s road network from urban centres to major freight routes means the force plays a vital role in protecting millions of road users every day. Enforcement highlights the issue, but education and awareness are equally important. By working together, we can ensure more road users understand their legal responsibilities and the simple checks they can carry out to keep their tyres safe and roadworthy. Preventing tyre-related incidents is entirely achievable, and partnerships like this are key to reducing avoidable harm on our roads.”
