Police recommend ‘20p test’ following balding tyre crash

The Police have issued a reminder for motorists to check tyre tread depth following an accident that occurred yesterday morning. Via its Twitter account, Avon and Somerset Constabulary advised drivers to gauge tread depth legality using the tried and true method of inserting a 20p coin into the tread grooves: “If the outer band is visible anywhere in the tread the tyre may be illegal and you should get it checked.”

This warning was issued after a vehicle overturned on the M5; although exact details of the incident weren’t given, Avon and Somerset Constabulary says two tyres on the vehicle were below the 1.6mm legal limit. The person responsible received a fine and three licence points were deducted; this can perhaps be seen as getting off lightly, as the Police confirmed that nobody was injured during the crash.

“Please remember to check your tyres – bald tyres increase the risk of aquaplaning,” tweeted Avon and Somerset Constabulary. “Important to remember given the wet weather this week.”