Gardaí stop sheep trailer with tyres ‘well past their prime’

Gardaí issued an FCN (fixed charge notice) to a motorist towing a sheep trailer in recent days.

Clare Roads Policing Unit conducting a checkpoint brought the vehicle and trailer combination to a halt on January 20^th, 2022.

Gardaí took to social media to highlight the discovery.

In a tweet on January 20^th, 2022, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said:

“Clare Roads Policing Unit conducting a checkpoint last night stopped a vehicle towing a sheep trailer.”

“On inspection, some of the tyres on the trailer were well past their prime. FCNs were issued to the driver,” the spokesperson added.

Clare Roads Policing Unit conducting a checkpoint last night stopped a vehicle towing a sheep trailer. On inspection some of the tyres on the trailer were well past their prime. FCNs were issued to the driver. #SaferRoads pic.twitter.com/ZeELWCVynW

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) January 21, 2022

Tyres 

According to the RSA, it is important to choose the appropriate tyres and keep them correctly maintained as they are the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road surface.

The RSA advises motorists to ensure that:

• Tyres are the right kind and size for your vehicle;
• Are properly inflated;
• All wheels are in good condition;
• That wheel nuts are correctly tightened;
• Tyres are free from cuts, bulges and have adequate tread – the legal requirement is a minimum of 1.6mm;
• Check that the tyre pressure is correct. All tyres (including the spare, if there is one) should be at the same pressure. It is also important that the tyre specification is suitable for the axle weight and is capable of bearing the weight of the load you’re going to carry.

Is your livestock trailer roadworthy?

Last month, we featured an article on trailer licences, roadworthiness, regular maintenance, lights, brakes, and tyres.

Your sole responsibility as the driver is to ensure that both the trailer and the towing vehicle are deemed fit for purpose and suitable for legal road regulations.

Furthermore, these requirements include ensuring tyres are free from defects, all trailer and vehicle lights are in functioning order, trailer mechanics are in good condition, and tyres are roadworthy.

Tyre pressure should be acknowledged by checking the user manual of your trailer. Where a flat tyre occurs during a fully loaded trailer, swaying may occur. This creates higher friction and, therefore, the potential for a blowout.

Before making a journey with your livestock trailer, carry out a simple tyre check on all tyres.

The tread depth of the tyres should be approximately 1.6mm tread. An important sign to check on your trailer tyres is for a half wore tyre. In many cases, this sign can display evidence of a bent axle.