Avoid roadworthiness prohibitions with a TPMS

9th August 2016

TyrePal

Daisy Stapley-Bunten

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PG9s are roadworthiness prohibitions issued by UK police forces to tackle poor bus, coach and Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) maintenance. In 2013, a London HGV task force issued 1,565 PG9s and seized 41 vehicles in the capital city alone. An advocate of safe road use, tyre pressure monitoring specialist, TyrePal is calling for more awareness of PG9 regulations and the defects that could result in police seizing drivers' vehicles.

In collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), police will issue drivers with PG9s for mechanical problems or for poor condition of a vehicle's bodywork and equipment. The prohibition could have an immediate or delayed effect depending on how severe the defect is.

Recipients of delayed prohibitions may drive their vehicle away, but will only have ten days to correct issues. It will then need inspecting and the prohibition removed before a company can use the vehicle on the road again.

For drivers that receive an immediate prohibition, the consequences are more severe. The vehicle will be immobilised and the driver could face prosecution, depending on the severity of the defect.

The condition of tyres is included in the categorisation of defects under the PG9 regulation. Police will issue an immediate prohibition if tyre tread is worn beyond the legal limit, or tyres are dangerously underinflated.

The easiest way to manage tyre pressure and ensure under inflation is not causing damage, is to use a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). A TPMS continuously monitors tyre pressure and temperature and warns the driver when they exceed preset levels. TyrePal supplies a system specifically designed to monitor up to 22 wheels — perfect for HGVs.

"Unfortunately, many commercial drivers are not aware of how tyre defects and incorrect maintenance can affect their credibility as a safe road user," explained Peter Tillotson, Business Development Manager of TyrePal.

"Being issued a PG9 can have a serious effect on a driver's operator licence. If they fail to notify the Traffic Commissioner of a PG9, or they do not provide a satisfactory and comprehensive explanation as to why the notice was issued, drivers run the risk of being registered as an amber or red operator on the Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS)."