During the 83rd annual NTDA dinner, chairman Stephen Callow spoke out against part worn tyres, the impact EU tyre labeling will have on the industry and thoughts on the MOT proposal being scrapped.
Callow focused on three main areas during his speech at the Hilton Hotel, Deansgate with his primary focus being on part worn tyre sales and the fact it was “frightening and unacceptable”. Despite part worn tyre legislation being clear and concise the key problem is that many retailers are simply ignoring regulations when it comes to selling part worn tyres which leaves the consumer in the dark. More and more surveys are taking part across the UK, with Trading Standards leading the pack, these surveys are uncovering alarming results Callow reported, with over 90% of part worns that were surveyed, being illegal. Callow said that “we must bang the drum”, and encourage the media to help share the story of part worn tyres in the industry in order to warn motorists of the potential dangers. He went on to say, “The NTDA logo is our badge and it represents that, we as members go to great lengths to maintain standards and to be accountable for our actions, but all too often backstreet lock-up part worn tyre dealers are not [up to this standard].”
He continued that part worn tyre sales is the key issue that needs to be tackled not only by the NTDA but also tyre related organisations within the industry to ensure that the problem does not elevate further.
Callow went on to focus on the issue of EU tyre labeling, noting that despite it being considered as an inconvenience by some, it may in fact have a “silver lining”, noting that; “I am sure that this legislation will give us the opportunity of point of sale dialogue. I believe that, with the right information, the motorist will make the correct choice when purchasing their tyres resulting in a win-win scenario for us and the customer.”
Callow closed of saying that he was glad that the “ridiculous” MOT frequency change proposal that NTDA joined other industry bodies in lobbying against at last year’s dinner, has been scrapped:
“Even the most responsible motorists rely on the MOT for the safety standards of their vehicles, not fully appreciating that the MOT is “only at time of test” and does not guarantee the vehicles road worthiness for 12 months. We are engaged in a major review of the overall test and will ensure that the concerns of our members are put to the proper authorities.”
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