Vehicle and Trailer Tyre Replacement Policy
Version 4.1
Date: 1st March 2021
Review Date: 1st March 2022
Owner
Name Ruth Silcock Job title Head of Fleet Supply & Demand Mobile 07894 461702
Business units covered
This policy applies to all Royal Mail Group vehicles.
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Contents
1. Scope 2. Introduction 3. Policy 4. Responsibilities 5. Consequences 6. Change control 7. Glossary
8. References 9. Summary of changes to previous policy
Appendix 1 Tread Type Positioning
Appendix 2 Example of Re-torque Stamp
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1. Scope
This policy covers all vehicles and trailers used within RM Group.
2. Introduction
2.1 Tyre condition It is important for drivers, managers and technical staff to understand the legal requirements for tyre condition. Several regulations govern tyre condition. Listed below is a basic outline of the principal points: • Tyres must be suitable* for the vehicle/trailer it is being fitted to and they must be inflated to the correct pressures as recommended by either the vehicle or tyre manufacturer . *Suitability = correct size, correct load specification, speed rating and direction if applicable • No tyre shall have a break in its fabric or cut deep enough to reach or penetrate the cords. No cords must be visible either on the treaded area or on the side wall. No cut must be longer than 25 mm or 10% of the tyre’s section width, whichever is the greater. • There must be no lumps, bulges or tears caused by separation of the tyre’s structure. This includes any lifting of the tread rubber or deformation of the tread pattern. • Operators, drivers and maintenance staff must ensure that tyre tread depths exceed minimum legal tolerance at all times and the correct pressures are maintained at all times. • The tyre pressure must be checked and adjusted as indicated on the tyre pressure decal, which are aligned to individual manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure.
2.2 Minimum tread depths
2.2.1 Cars, Vans & Passenger carrying vehicles not exceeding 3.5 tonnes GVW or 9 seats For cars and vans having a maximum gross weight of 3500kg or less, the legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6 mm and must form a continuous band covering the central three quarters of the tread width area and over the whole circumference of the tyre. There are raised ribs (wear bars) in the groove of the tyre to help measure wear. These are spaced out around the circumference of the tyre and indicate when the tyre is at or near to its legal minimum limit.
2.2.2 Goods & Passenger carrying vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes GVW or 9 seats including trailers For vehicles, including trailers, having a maximum gross weight exceeding 3500kg, the legal minimum tread depth is 1 mm and must form a continuous band covering the central three quarters of the tread width area and over the whole circumference of the tyre or if the grooves of the original tread pattern did not extend beyond the three quarters of the tread width area, any groove which showed in the original tread pattern must have a minimum depth of 1mm. This excludes the sipes - the very fine slots which appear around the circumference of the tyre.
2.2.3 Motor cycles and Mopeds Motor cycle and moped tyres must have a legal minimum tread depth of 1mm and must form a continuous band covering the central three quarters of the tread width area and a visible tread pattern of the remaining quarter, over the whole circumference of the tyre.
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3. Policy
3.1 Tyre replacement policy • All vehicles will have their tyres replaced based on the following tread depths and prior to the minimum legal tread depths being reached. • Where the vehicle’s tyre depth has gone below the RM minimum tread depth, but remains legal to drive then an appointment with the nearest or any external contractor used for tyre services, where appropriate, should be made to have the tyres replaced prior to their reaching the minimum legal tread depth – the vehicle may be used whilst the tyres remain legally compliant.
Vehicle type Legal minimum tread Royal Mail replacement depth policy All vehicles not exceeding 3.5 tonnes 1.6 mm 2.0 mm GVW or 9 seats Vehicles (incl trailers) exceeding 3.5 1.0 mm 2.0 mm tonnes GVW or 9 seats 75York Double Deck Trailers 1.0 mm 3.00 mm Motor cycles and Mopeds 1.0 mm 1.0 mm
Tyres will also be replaced where - • The tyre has a break in its fabric or cut deep enough to reach or penetrate the cords. No cords must be visible either on the treaded area or on the side wall. • There is a cut longer than 25 mm or 10% of the tyre’s section width, whichever is the greater. • There is lump, bulge or tear caused by separation of the tyre’s structure. This includes any lifting of the tread rubber or deformation of the tread pattern.
Tyres over 10 years old - • From 1 February 2021 new legislation was introduced. • Tyres fitted to STEER Axles on all LGVs over 3.5tonne, Buses, Coaches and ALL single wheels on minibuses (9-16 seats) must be less than 10 years old. • The date of manufacture is normally stamped on one side of the tyre. • When completing the vehicle tyre inspection, the size, rating and date must be checked and highlighted with a yellow crayon (this will show its been checked if presenting the vehicle) and the date of the tyre entered on the Vehicle Inspection sheet. • If the date is not legible on an LGV steer axle, the tyre must be replaced. • If the date is not legible due to be being twinned on a drive axle, then a note must be made on the Vehicle Inspection Sheet that it cannot be checked. • If a tyre is 9 years old, it must be replaced. • This check must also take place and be recorded for trailers, although they are not in- scope of MOT or roadside prohibition, they may incur an advisory notice.
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3.2 Replacement tyre standards
3.2.1 New tyres Will comply with current legislation and manufacturing standards and, will be of the correct size, correct load specification and speed rating for the vehicle to be fitted.
3.2.2 Re-grooved (re-cut) tyres Heavy goods vehicles tyres (including Trailers) are designed to be re-grooved, thus extending the overall life of the tyres. Re-grooving, where appropriate is a specialised task and will be undertaken by suitably trained RMF staff or tyre supplier, ensuring the re-grooved tyre remains legal and without any exposed cords. The best practice denotes that they should be re-grooved when the tyre tread is between 2 & 4mm. It is industry good practice and Royal Mail Policy that the retread or re-grooved tyres are permissible on semi-trailers and 7.5 tonne GVW vehicles & above and, shall be fitted only to second steer axle and drive axles only.
Note: The only exception to this is that the Double Deck (DD) 75 york trailers must not be fitted with either re-grooved or remould tyres.
3.2.3 Retread (remould) tyres
Vehicles Where the cost of retread tyres to Royal Mail offers a significant advantage compared to new tyres purchased under a National Contract, the use of retreads will be introduced. This should be a “Bead to Bead” remould only. “Top Cap” remoulds are not to be fitted. Should a retread tyre be fitted to a vehicle it should only be fitted to the second steer and drive axle. On vehicle breakdowns it is advised that the contractors only fit new first life tyres on steer axle and retread to drive axle.
Trailers With the exception of Double Deck trailers, all other trailers should be fitted with re-tread or re- grooved tyres. On trailer breakdowns it is recommended that contractors only fit the new first life tyres when the re-tread or re-grooved tyres are not available.
75 York Double Deck trailers These must always be fitted with Premium branded tyres. The spare tyre & wheel on the DD trailer should also be checked during the scheduled inspection routine for condition & correct tyre pressure and to ensure that it is not a re-tread or a re-grooved tyre fitted to the spare,
Straight Frame Double Decks Trailers These must always be fitted with mid-range or premium tyres. (Re-grooved tyres are acceptable).
3.2.4 Tread positioning All vehicles of 7.5 tonnes GVW and above, including trailers shall be specified with steer, traction or in respect of trailers low rolling resistance type tyres. Care shall be exercised, in the event of wheel changing, to position these tyres correctly with attention to tyre tread depths. A maximum of up to 10% tread depth variance should be permitted when tyres are fitted in a pair.
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Note: it is quite acceptable to use a re-grooved steer axle tyre on the second steer axle only and a re-grooved drive axle tyre to the rear of a motive unit or rigid 7.5 tonne vehicles and above.
Re-tread/Re-grooved tyres should only be fitted to the same axle but not to front steer axle.
Shunter vehicles operated solely on RM sites and not used on the public highway should only be fitted with remould/re-grooved tyres. The tyres removed from motive units may be re- grooved and utilised on the shunt vehicles. There is no restriction on the tyre tread pattern although all tyres should have a minimum of 1mm tread depth and should be structurally sound in line with details contained in 3.1. With exception to the Shunt vehicles fitted with Snow Plough attachment, should only be fitted with the re-tread/re-grooved drive axle tyres to rear. 3.2.5 Alpine tyres Alpine tyres (commonly referred to as Winter Tyres) are available by special request where absolutely necessary. Operators consideration should form part of the sites severe weather risk assessment and be subject to SHE Adviser concurrence. Operators should then seek authority from local RM Fleet Workshop Manager and then order via a PMT1 to the relevant workshop.
3.3 Tyre accessories
3.3.1 The rubber tubeless tyre valves should be examined for degradation during the tyre change process and be replaced if seal cannot be confirmed. Truck and trailer valves should also be examined by the technician regarding condition and changed accordingly if required.
3.3.2 Valve caps All vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW and passenger carrying vehicles exceeding 9 seats (8 passengers) must have high pressure metal valve caps fitted.
3.3.3 Valve extensions All inner wheels of twin wheel applications must have a flexible valve extension fitted.
3.3.4 Torque indicators Refer to RM Fleet Wheel Security Policy.
3.3.5 Tyre sealant It is RM Fleet policy to fit all vehicles up to and including 3.5T to fit tyre sealant. It is designed to prevent air loss caused through punctures. The tyre sealant must be fitted to all wheels on the vehicle and the tyre suitably marked, i.e. by use of a green rubber ring around the valve stem or by fitment of a green dust cap.
3.3.6 Snow socks To improve traction during snow and icy condition, use of snow socks are recommended on vehicles up to 3.5T to provide mobility to get a vehicle ‘back’ from being out on a route when they were typically serving a distant route and road conditions deteriorated quickly. They are not to be used as a means of being able to ‘go out’ in poor driving conditions
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Operators consideration should form part of the sites severe weather risk assessment and be subject to SHE Adviser concurrence. Operators should then seek authority from local RM Fleet Workshop Manager and then order via a PMT1 to the relevant workshop. RM Fleet Workshop will supply the snow socks as requested, refer to TSB32/10 directive.
3.4 Wheel Security – Refer to RM Fleet Wheel Security Policy.
3.5 Tyre Repairs All tyres suitable for puncture repair should follow the British Standard BS AU 159 link below: BS AU 159g 2013 Tyre Repairs
4. Responsibilities
4.1 Fleet Workshop responsibilities
Fleet Workshop managers are responsible for: • Ensuring this policy is applied strictly by all Fleet Workshop staff. • To ensure the PMT1, the Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbook (P1061E) and the wheel security procedure for re-torquing are followed and signed off by the technician following completion. • To only use and record the use of calibrated torque wrenches. • Fleet Workshop staff must also ensure that the RM Fleet Wheel Security Policy is adhered to. • To ensure that all FSV (Fleet Support Vehicle) operations carry red re-torque indicators as well as a RM Fleet Workshop stamp and operate in accordance with the Wheel Security policy and procedures. • To ensure that spare tyres on 75 York DD trailers are inspected during the scheduled inspection routine for condition & correct tyre pressure and to ensure that it is not a re- tread or a re-grooved tyre fitted to spare.
4.2 Operational manager responsibilities
Operational Managers are responsible for: • Ensuring strict adherence to the policy. • Ensuring drivers are made fully aware of their responsibilities in relation to Royal Mail Group Wheel Security and Tyre Policy, including the legal requirements. • Performing random checks of wheels and tyres to ensure they remain legal and for recording such checks in the vehicles Condition & Mileage Logbook (P1061E). • Ensuring PMT 1 procedure is followed correctly. • Ensure vehicle logbook entries are completed correctly and accurately. • Ensuring drivers perform their daily checks including visual checks of tyres. • Ensure that drivers regularly check and adjust the vehicle’s tyre pressures to recommended values as indicated on the vehicle.
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• That all equipment on-site is properly calibrated and maintained. It is also a managerial responsibility to ensure that calibration certificates are properly filed and that a maintenance procedure is in place to ensure that equipment is checked periodically. Equipment means: - o Compressor, Tyre inflator and inflation pressure test gauges (if appropriate). • Ensuring drivers understand fully their responsibilities contained in this policy.
4.3 Driver responsibilities Drivers are responsible for: • Ensuring they comply fully with these instructions. • Ensuring that they should inspect tyres and wheels as per driver’s check process (duty / daily / weekly) for signs of damage, under inflation, cracked or distorted wheel rims, broken or loose fixings and signs of wheel looseness (bright metal or rust marks around the fixings or captive washer settings). • Check and maintain tyre pressures to recommended values as indicated on the vehicle. • Ensuring that daily checks are carried out thoroughly before driving any vehicle including checks to ensure that the wheel fixing indicators have not moved out of alignment (where appropriate), any vehicles or trailers found with indicators not fitted should be reported to the RM Fleet Workshop via the PMT1 process requesting a re-torque and indicator fitment. • Ensuring that Weekly Checks are carried out in line with details contained in the Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbook (P1061E). • Ensuring the PMT1 and Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbook (P1061E) procedure is followed and their line manager informed of any defects. • Ensuring the PMT1, the Vehicle Condition & Mileage Logbook (P1061E) and the wheel security procedure for re-torquing are followed after any vehicle/trailer that has undergone a roadside wheel replacement. • To refer to the Driver’s Manual for detailed information or seek advice from a manager.
5. Consequences
It is an offence to use a vehicle on the public highway with illegal, defective or incorrectly inflated tyres. In doing so, the driver could be prosecuted, fined and have his/her driving licence endorsed with penalty points.
Line managers can also be prosecuted for knowingly permitting a vehicle to be used with a defective or illegal tyre/s.
Offences and successful prosecution of driver, line manager or both can seriously jeopardise Royal Mail’s ability to maintain its Operator’s Licence.
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6. Change Control
Status Draft Document No. Owner Ruth Silcock Authors Greg Kerslake Release Date Proposed 29th March 2021 Document Privacy
6.1 Authorisation Title Name Signature Date Head of Fleet Supply & Demand Ruth Silcock Head of Fleet Maintenance Sally Warren Head of Fleet Supply & Lifecycle Stewart Ferrie Senior Fleet Engineer Paul Fletcher Fleet Compliance & Policy Manager Greg Kerslake CWU Alan Tate
6.2 Distribution List
Name Location Version Date Distribution via Sharepoint Fleet Policies 4.1 01/03/2021
6.3 Documentation History Issue 1.0 2.0 3.0 3.2 4.0 4.1 Status Final Final Final Final Final Draft Release Date 14/10/11 01/06/13 01/10/16 01/12/17 31/10/18 Effective From 14/10/11 01/06/13 01/10/16 01/12/17 31/10/18
6.4 Document Change History
Issue / Version Summary of Change 1.0 Issued 2.0 Issued 3.0 Review of roles - issued 3.1 Review of Authorisation list 3.1 New item; 3.5 Tyre repairs 3.2.3 Addition of Bead to Bead remould restriction 4.0 Change of Authorities and Roles 4.1 Change of Authorities and Roles, added 10 year old tyres & changed authority in 3.2.5 and 3.3.6
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7. Glossary
Abbreviation or Term Meaning RM Fleet Royal Mail Fleet GVW Gross Vehicle Weight DD Double Deck P1061E Vehicle condition and mileage logbook PMT1 Vehicle defect report FSV Fleet Support Vehicle TSB Technical Service Bulletin
8. References
RM Fleet Wheel Security Policy Snow Socks TSB 32/10
9. Summary of changes to previous policy
Change Previous policy Ref This policy ref 1 Sub 3.5T were changed at 3mm 3.1 Replace all tyres at 2mm on vehicles up to although 2 policy versions in and including HGV & trailers. circulation with one showing 2mm. 2 Wasn’t explicit enough on vehicle 3.2.2 Re-grooved tyres permissible on trailers types where this was possible (except DD trailers), 7.5T vehicles and above and shall be fitted to second steer axle and drive axle only. 3 Wasn’t explicit enough on vehicle 3.2.3 A retread (remould) tyres are permissible on types where this was possible trailers (except DD trailers), 7.5T vehicles and above and shall be fitted to second steer axle and drive axle only. 4 Wasn’t explicit enough on vehicle 3.2.4 It is acceptable to fit re-grooved steer axle types where this was possible tyre on the second steer axle only on 7.5T vehicles and above. 5 Wasn’t explicit enough on vehicle 3.2.4 Re-tread/retreads tyres should only be fitted types where this was possible to the same axle and not to front steer axle. 6 Not listed in policy 3.2.4 Tyre fitments and positioning on Shunt vehicles 7 Not listed in policy 3.3 Addition of tyre accessories section 8 Not listed in Policy 3.2.2 Straight frame Double Decker – re-grooved tyres 9 Not Listed in Policy 3.5 All tyres suitable for puncture repair should
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follow the British Standard BS AU 159 link below
10 Not listed in Policy 3.2.3 Addition of Bead to Bead remould restriction
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Appendix 1 Tread Type Positioning
Position and tread pattern type Vehicle model type Front Centre (or 2nd Steer) Rear Tractor (All types) Steer Steer Traction Alternative New Regrooved / Retread Regrooved / Retread Steer Traction Rigids > 7.5t to 18t Steer - Traction Alternative New - Regrooved / Retread Traction <7.5 Steer - Steer See note 1 3.5t to 7.5t Steer - Steer Panel type van or derivative See note 1 Panel van to 3.5t O.E fitment - O.E fitment excludes car derived vans See note 2 See note 2 Cars & Car derived vans As per manufacturers’ - As per manufacturers’ recommendations recommendations Trailers (excluding 75 York Low rolling resistance Low rolling resistance type Low rolling resistance Double Decks) type Retread Retread type Retread See note 3 See note 3 See note 3 Alternative Regrooved Regrooved Regrooved 75 York Double Deck Low rolling resistance Low rolling resistance type Low rolling resistance Trailers type (New only) (New only) type (New only) See Note 3 See Note 3 See Note 3 Straight Frame Double Low rolling resistance Low rolling resistance type Low rolling resistance Deck Trailers 22.5” wheels Alternative Re-grooved Re-grooved Re-grooved
Special terrain vehicles Heavy duty block - Heavy duty block tread 4x4 tread 4x4 pattern 4x4 pattern Suitable for combined - Suitable for combined operation operation Shunt Vehicles Remould/Regrooved - Remould/Regrooved Steer Steer/Drive Shunt Vehicles with Snow Remould/Regrooved - Remould/Regrooved Plough Attachment Steer Drive
Note 1. Traction tyres can be used if extreme operations exist where long-term tread life can be maintained against tyre damage.
Note 2. Additional ply tyres can be fitted to increase tyre tread life, to reduce side wall damage some types of tyres can be purchased with kerbing strips.
Note 3. Trailers (excluding 75 York Double Deck trailers). • Tyres should be re-grooved when they are worn to between 2mm & 4mm.
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Appendix 2
Example of Re-torque Stamp for VEHICLES
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