asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that numerous motor accidents are caused as a result of fitting tyres by different manufacturers on the same vehicle; and if he will take the necessary steps to warn the motoring public against this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Vehicle Tyres.
147.
I am not so aware. If the Deputy is referring to the indiscriminate mixing of tyres of different construction, such as radial-ply, cross-ply and other types of tyres, on the same motor vehicle, international research now proceeding suggests that this may be an undesirable practice from the vehicle safety aspect in so far as it can effect the road behaviour of a vehicle under certain conditions. My Department are keeping themselves informed of developments in this field and I will take whatever measures, including controls, that may be necessary in the light of current research. In the meantime the public should be aware that the tyre manufacturers are continuously issuing warnings as to the inadvisability of mixing tyres of different construction.
(Cavan): Would the Minister be surprised to learn that recently a garage that changed a wheel for me at the weekend and put on a tyre that was of a different make warned me not to go on a long journey during that weekend or to go at great speed because I would be taking a positive risk. I was shocked to hear that and, in the light of the warning, Deputy O'Hara's question is pertinent. This matter should be brought to the notice of the public without delay. Is the Minister aware that apparently the type of tyre known as radial is much more effective and if it is used with other types of tyre the consequence of applying the brakes suddenly could be disastrous?
The Deputy must not have listened to the reply I gave. His comments are exactly the same as I indicated in my reply.
(Cavan): Would the Minister do something to draw the attention of the public to this matter? That was my question.
Question No. 147 relates to different manufacturers.