It is now almost seven years since Michael Molloy and two other passengers (Kerry Ogden and Colin Daulby) lost their lives when their coach crashed on the M25 Motorway (in 2012) due to a nineteen and half year old tyre dramatically exploding with devastating consequences.
Tyre Anti-Ageing Campaign Reveals Latest Initiatives
Michael’s mother Frances Molloy immediately took up the cause of looking to legally ban ageing tyres being fitted to all buses and coaches, and over the following years the ‘Tyred’ Campaign has continued to gather steady momentum and encountered many twists and turns during its now, ‘long standing’ confrontation with the UK Government, which has been well documented in the tyre trade press.
However, over the past six months or so, with no coverage or new information released, it would be reasonable to assume that maybe Tyred had faltered in its battle to remove illegal and totally unsafe bus and coach tyres from our road. However, nothing could be further from the truth, as the Campaign is very much ‘alive and well’ and still on course to get this crucially important Bill of Law passed by the Government.
Frances says, “We have been constantly working away to keep the pressure on the UK tyre industry and the Government to realise, appreciate and take action against unscrupulous tyre retailers and part worn tyre dealers, and we will not stop until there is a ten year age maximum regarding the fitment of older tyres on buses and coaches that carry members of the public. Tyred hold regular meetings with the Department of Transport (DOT) on the progress of research into aged tyres.”
With Tyred headquarterd in Liverpool Frances points out that the whole of the city’s governing officials and citizens are solidly behind the campaign, and Frances adds, “It is like one big family and has proved to be a valuable form of support and a massive public platform for us. The partnership includes the backing of a number of well known former Liverpool Football Club players.
At the same time, another highly important ally of Tyred is the ‘Anfield Wrap’, an award winning collection of podcasts, radio shows, videocasts, live shows plus magazine and website articles, which is globally acclaimed as essential viewing and listening for LFC fans. Anfield Wrap Managing Director, Neil Atkinson says, “We totally support the Tyred Campaign as footballer supporters, festival goers, tourist should be able to travel the country confident about their ultimate safety on the road. Tyred are campaigning to provide that confidence and hopefully help spread the message and bring pressure on Parliament to act in the public interest in 2019.” Tyred also has the support of Signature Living, a progressive Liverpool based hotel chain.
Frances also points out that encouraged by the support of leading international tyre experts as well as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Tyred is currently looking to persuade passengers to openly question coach operators about their tyre safety check routine and to even adopt the use of an age decoder. It is important to note that many coach operators already have strict guidelines around tyre safety checks, but there remains a number of rogue operators promoting aged part worn tyres, which is why the ultimate objective has to be the easily implemented checking of tyre ageing be added to future tyre safety checks.
Frances concludes, “ The fight goes on as the only time aged tyres hits the headlines is when someone is killed or badly injured, and Tyred will not stop until this new law happens. Although the Government has not yet been passed, with each hurdle and rejection the support for our campaign grows.”
