Serious concerns continue to be raised regarding the large number of UK motorists who may be driving on unsafe and unroadworthy tyres.

According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Justice, almost 10,000 Brits were convicted of tyre-related driving offences in 2011 – while the problem may be even larger, as these figures do not take into account the number of vehicles stopped by police and dealt with at the roadside.

Moreover, sub-standard tyres accounted for two-thirds of all vehicle defects reported last year.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, commented: "Not only is there still a high level of ignorance about tyre care, but perhaps even more alarming is that many motorists continue to drive on tyres that they know are illegal or dangerous."

Earlier this month, the organisation highlighted the importance of maintaining good tyre care during periods of wet and stormy weather, such as those that have been seen across the country over recent weeks.

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Posted by Jamie Burton