Safety concerns have been raised for Uber and private hire drivers after two separate vehicles were stopped on the same night in different city centres, both found to have dangerous tyre defects.
According to posts shared by Wolverhampton Council enforcement team WVProtect, officers encountered private hire vehicles operating with tyres in a condition that posed a clear risk to passenger and road safety.
The incidents took place in Liverpool city centre and Manchester city centre.
One case involved excessively worn tyres, while another showed significant damage and defects, leading to immediate action by enforcement officers.
The incidents were highlighted by WVProtect on social media, with images showing just how severe the tyre conditions were:
- One vehicle had tyres worn well beyond the legal tread limit
- Another showed visible structural damage that could have led to a blowout
The enforcement team warned that drivers are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy at all times, particularly when carrying fare-paying passengers. Vehicles found in this condition can be immediately prohibited, with drivers facing potential fines, penalty points, licence suspension, or further action by their licensing authority.
DM News Commentary
The fact that these stops occurred in Liverpool and Manchester city centres on the same night should ring alarm bells for drivers nationwide.
Both cities are high-volume private hire hotspots, with vehicles clocking up long hours, heavy mileage, and frequent stop-start driving — all of which accelerate tyre wear. Tyres remain one of the first things enforcement officers inspect, and they are also one of the most common reasons vehicles are taken off the road instantly.
For Uber, Bolt, and private hire drivers, this isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting your licence and income. A single prohibition notice can mean being unable to work immediately and potentially triggering action from your local council or operator.
DM News would strongly advise drivers to:
- Check tread depth weekly (not just visually)
- Inspect tyre sidewalls for cuts, bulges, or cracking
- Monitor tyre pressure regularly
- Replace tyres before they hit the legal minimum
If two serious tyre defects were identified in two major city centres on one night, it’s likely many more vehicles are operating dangerously close to the limit.
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