Should winter tyres be made compulsory in the UK?
Poll: Should winter tyres be made compulsory in the UK?
Total Members Polled: 486
Discussion
mrmr96 said:
I voted No
My reasons are that while I can afford them it would be a big stretch for a lot of people to buy two sets. Also, not everyone has space to store the set they are not using. I also think it would be unenforcable because we have enough problems with unlicenced drivers/untaxed/uninsured cars/no MOT that the chances of policing winter tyres is close to nil. It would be seen as a revnue raising excercise too. (Extra VAT, corporation tax and payroll taxes as tyre companies sell more, make more profit and pay more staff, plus the fines for non-compliance.)
Don't get me wrong, I think owning and using winter tyres is a great idea. The benefits are pretty clear. However I don't think it should be compulsory.
+ 1My reasons are that while I can afford them it would be a big stretch for a lot of people to buy two sets. Also, not everyone has space to store the set they are not using. I also think it would be unenforcable because we have enough problems with unlicenced drivers/untaxed/uninsured cars/no MOT that the chances of policing winter tyres is close to nil. It would be seen as a revnue raising excercise too. (Extra VAT, corporation tax and payroll taxes as tyre companies sell more, make more profit and pay more staff, plus the fines for non-compliance.)
Don't get me wrong, I think owning and using winter tyres is a great idea. The benefits are pretty clear. However I don't think it should be compulsory.
i have no problem currently driving in the snow, i just drive for the conditions, and take it all very cautiously. If it gets really bad, id use snow chains.
I dont have space or money for another set of wheels - but id love to be able to!
Also, in this country, i could see loads of ill informed people thinking winter tyres mean they can drive like loonatics in the rain and snow
omgus said:
If my local tyre place would take take the summers off, store them, put winters on, and then reverse the process for a nominal fee/subscription then i would do it already. The reality is that i'd need another set of wheels for the winter tyres and i just can't afford that right now.
I agree, even storing an extra set of wheels and tyres all year round is impractical for most people.There's a million other threads on this in PH at the moment but not one with a poll so you escape the repost police. 
I've voted yes, not because I think they should be complusory, but because I think the Govt will bring in the law anyway. They and councils are really under the cosh at the moment for the lamentable state of the roads, some of the criticism is justified and some of it is not. I believe they will look at this and say OK if we have to invest something then people should take responsibility for their own situation and will enact legislation. They will see it that it will not cost them anything and will gain a bit from extra VAT.
However I should have voted no, because I believe that this will be another case where HMG will enact legislation to deal with an issue which should be left to common sense, and we have seen many times before that Govts in general, and this Labour lot in particular, are very poor in such "dealing with lack of common sense" type situations. thus they create a situation which doesn't really deal with the problem, whilst at the same time criminalises people who were never a problem in the first place.
The problem in UK is that, in a winter of the types we have had during my lifetime, which unfortunately for me is over half a century now, we have had and continue to have a huge range of condition. From ones where we have had almost no snow and ice, to winters like this one and we have had worse during my lifetime.
Add onto that the conditions can be very different from one end of the country to the other.
Add onto that individual requirements, regarding type of vehicle, type of journey needs, both in difficulty of journey and need to make the journey and so on.
Then when you look at the range of equipment available, thus, as stated on another thread, there is no "this is best" answer for any individual, never mind all across the country. Thus in this case that should make me vote no.
However as mentioned before all the vehicles in our UK household do have studless winter tyres and I do strongly believe that certain Govt services, eg Police, Ambulance, Fire, and other key organisations eg food and fuel companies(?) should be forced to have their vehicles properly equipped, and currently they are not, hence I've voted Yes on the grounds it would make the authorities and others get their own acts in order.
What boils my wee is the constant footage on BBC et al, of numpties struggling to get up 1% inclines in conditions of not much more than a light frost to my eyes and the TV blames it all on the snow, when in reality it's the wrong tyres.
However having said all that, how many winters will it take with people stuck overnnight on lowland motorways before people realise that we can't go on as we are? Every year since 2003? I mean the M11 isn't exactly Alpine motoring is it?
End, Rule Off, Full stop.
/rant
I've voted yes, not because I think they should be complusory, but because I think the Govt will bring in the law anyway. They and councils are really under the cosh at the moment for the lamentable state of the roads, some of the criticism is justified and some of it is not. I believe they will look at this and say OK if we have to invest something then people should take responsibility for their own situation and will enact legislation. They will see it that it will not cost them anything and will gain a bit from extra VAT.
However I should have voted no, because I believe that this will be another case where HMG will enact legislation to deal with an issue which should be left to common sense, and we have seen many times before that Govts in general, and this Labour lot in particular, are very poor in such "dealing with lack of common sense" type situations. thus they create a situation which doesn't really deal with the problem, whilst at the same time criminalises people who were never a problem in the first place.
The problem in UK is that, in a winter of the types we have had during my lifetime, which unfortunately for me is over half a century now, we have had and continue to have a huge range of condition. From ones where we have had almost no snow and ice, to winters like this one and we have had worse during my lifetime.
Add onto that the conditions can be very different from one end of the country to the other.
Add onto that individual requirements, regarding type of vehicle, type of journey needs, both in difficulty of journey and need to make the journey and so on.
Then when you look at the range of equipment available, thus, as stated on another thread, there is no "this is best" answer for any individual, never mind all across the country. Thus in this case that should make me vote no.
However as mentioned before all the vehicles in our UK household do have studless winter tyres and I do strongly believe that certain Govt services, eg Police, Ambulance, Fire, and other key organisations eg food and fuel companies(?) should be forced to have their vehicles properly equipped, and currently they are not, hence I've voted Yes on the grounds it would make the authorities and others get their own acts in order.
What boils my wee is the constant footage on BBC et al, of numpties struggling to get up 1% inclines in conditions of not much more than a light frost to my eyes
and the TV blames it all on the snow, when in reality it's the wrong tyres. However having said all that, how many winters will it take with people stuck overnnight on lowland motorways before people realise that we can't go on as we are? Every year since 2003? I mean the M11 isn't exactly Alpine motoring is it?
End, Rule Off, Full stop.
/rant
We do tend to moan that this country can't cope with bad weather conditions... but we don't really help ourselves. People attempting to travel with in-appropriate cars / tyres / clothes / footwear ... or all of them.
But it is annoying when the councils were warned weeks ago they didn't have enough grit, then were surprised when they starting running out of the stuff!
But it is annoying when the councils were warned weeks ago they didn't have enough grit, then were surprised when they starting running out of the stuff!
NO NO NO NO NO NO & NO
Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
A lot of people are mentioning cost. I quoted 800eur for a full set of tyres however I chose top quality rubber for my car and you can get a reasonable set for about half that.
On top of this, the tyres can last up to 5 seasons (probably 3 in my case due to the amount of driving I do).
With regards to storage, my garage takes care of this including fitting for just €58 per year.
And with regards to enforcing this. If the countries I listed above can do it, why can't the UK?
On top of this, the tyres can last up to 5 seasons (probably 3 in my case due to the amount of driving I do).
With regards to storage, my garage takes care of this including fitting for just €58 per year.
And with regards to enforcing this. If the countries I listed above can do it, why can't the UK?
Voted "no". No need to create further expenses to the masses for the few idiots who can't control their right foot when conditions change.
By the way, as many of us know, your list is quite off:
- France: not compulsory unless the "Prefet" (MP) says its necessary for a short period of time, snowable areas require you carry chains at all time.
- Switzerland: not compulsory but police will hold you responsible if winter tyres could have prevented the accident (goes back to car control). Your insurance could also take you to court to get their money back.
- Your beloved Austria-that-is-so-much-better-than-the-UK: It's mandatory to have winter tyres with at least 4mm thread depth on certain roads and mountain passes
- Italy: see France.
- Finland & Sweden: Mandatory from 01/12 to 31/03
- Norway: Mandatory at police's discretion (so you'd better have them on really)
- Can't comment on Latvia but I know that Estonia's got a mandatory policy on winter tyres. (01/12 to 01/03 I think)
Your list of countries are all very "snowable" with proper winters that will last 3 months or more, therefore it is common sense to use winter tyres, the expense is justified. When I lived in Lyon I used to have a set of winter tyres on steel rims that I would put on at first snow or frost and take off when weather got milder. A set of tyre would last me 3 or 4 winters too. If the same was applied in the UK, your set of tyre would last 10 years at least!
My 2p.
By the way, as many of us know, your list is quite off:
- France: not compulsory unless the "Prefet" (MP) says its necessary for a short period of time, snowable areas require you carry chains at all time.
- Switzerland: not compulsory but police will hold you responsible if winter tyres could have prevented the accident (goes back to car control). Your insurance could also take you to court to get their money back.
- Your beloved Austria-that-is-so-much-better-than-the-UK: It's mandatory to have winter tyres with at least 4mm thread depth on certain roads and mountain passes
- Italy: see France.
- Finland & Sweden: Mandatory from 01/12 to 31/03
- Norway: Mandatory at police's discretion (so you'd better have them on really)
- Can't comment on Latvia but I know that Estonia's got a mandatory policy on winter tyres. (01/12 to 01/03 I think)
Your list of countries are all very "snowable" with proper winters that will last 3 months or more, therefore it is common sense to use winter tyres, the expense is justified. When I lived in Lyon I used to have a set of winter tyres on steel rims that I would put on at first snow or frost and take off when weather got milder. A set of tyre would last me 3 or 4 winters too. If the same was applied in the UK, your set of tyre would last 10 years at least!
My 2p.
Herbs said:
NO NO NO NO NO NO & NO
Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
I do agree that we shouldn't be forced to buying specific Winter tyres... but that people should take responsibility for thinking ahead a little ... We seem to be a country of gamblers (and that's not just on Foxy Bingo Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
) and take the risk of it not snowing or flooding or whatever. If weather patterns do carry on like this, then people will change behaviour.I honestly think that a decent advertising campaign, tied with better availability of winter tyres would make a lot of people change to winters.
A lot of people in the UK have no idea that winter tyres actually exist, or they think "snow tyres" are spiked bicycle wheels as used in Swedish rallys.
Then again, look how many people drive on bald tyres showing canvas...
A lot of people in the UK have no idea that winter tyres actually exist, or they think "snow tyres" are spiked bicycle wheels as used in Swedish rallys.
Then again, look how many people drive on bald tyres showing canvas...
Bill said:
Sensible legislation? What are the chances of that here?
IMHO tyre legislation in this country is one of the most sensible pieces of law that we have. There are probably a great many people breaking the law at present but I've never heard of anyone being prosecuted for having wide summer tyres on their car and driving in this weather.https://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q405.htm
I've clocked up 1000+ miles bumbling across the UK and Scotland these past few weeks with no problems whatsoever with budget road tyres. I personally would resent any legislation telling me I need to spend hundreds on tyres that I don't need.
I was running a mk2 Golf (with 'Admiral' branded tyres) but the exhaust fell off so I'm now using the GFs Micra with 'Sava' tyres.
I'd rather have a light, FWD car with skinny tyres are than anything else with road tyres. (The lack of ABS on the golf was great in the thick snow as well!).
I was running a mk2 Golf (with 'Admiral' branded tyres) but the exhaust fell off so I'm now using the GFs Micra with 'Sava' tyres.
I'd rather have a light, FWD car with skinny tyres are than anything else with road tyres. (The lack of ABS on the golf was great in the thick snow as well!).
I think that would be a better idea. twin sparky said:
Herbs said:
NO NO NO NO NO NO & NO
Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
I do agree that we shouldn't be forced to buying specific Winter tyres... but that people should take responsibility for thinking ahead a little ... We seem to be a country of gamblers (and that's not just on Foxy Bingo Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
) and take the risk of it not snowing or flooding or whatever. If weather patterns do carry on like this, then people will change behaviour.Herbs said:
NO NO NO NO NO NO & NO
Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
Winter tyres are not specific to snow or ice. They offer massively improved grip in the wet, especially when the temperature is under 7C.Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
In the far south (London), this is the maximum average for three months of the year.
In fact, the climate in London is very similar to that of Vienna.
Bill said:
The UK's climate is very different to most of Europe though, no? It's generally warmer and IIRC winter tyres don't much like it when it's warmer.
There's also a wide range of conditions, from Scotland where you probably have a point to Cornwall where you certainly don't.
Most of your list are substantially colder than the UK, and I bet the winter tyre legislation in France and Italy isn't enforced in Sicily or Biarritz
Warmer in winter, maybe. But for the rest of the year, surely we have more rain and crappy conditions than a lot of Europe?There's also a wide range of conditions, from Scotland where you probably have a point to Cornwall where you certainly don't.
Most of your list are substantially colder than the UK, and I bet the winter tyre legislation in France and Italy isn't enforced in Sicily or Biarritz
beanbag said:
Herbs said:
NO NO NO NO NO NO & NO
Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
Winter tyres are not specific to snow or ice. They offer massively improved grip in the wet, especially when the temperature is under 7C.Without being rude we get on average a max of 14 days a year where it is snowy or icy (Scotland excluded). What is it with everyone i know (esp people at work and a few on here) that now want to own a 4x4 and are looking to buy one in the next month to replace their current car.
Give it 2 weeks and all this weather will be forgotten.
As for rushing through new legislations, it would only be a knee jerk reaction. The fact we are running out of energy at the moment (see news today) worries me far more than a few ungritted roads....
In the far south (London), this is the maximum average for three months of the year.
In fact, the climate in London is very similar to that of Vienna.
I have never seen a thread entitled - it's not icy or snowing but i think i need winter tyres.
If people actually checked their tyre depth and even replaced them with normal tyres i imagine it would make a huge difference to the majority of numptys on the road.
Edited by Herbs on Friday 8th January 10:10
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