UK Plans To Target Drivers With Worn Tires By Using Automated Scanners

It looks like nothing more than a grate on the road, but the device in this picture is a sophisticated scanner that detects illegal tread depths as vehicles pass by. And it could be the British police’s new speed camera.

The set-up uses a combination of high-speed cameras and lasers to accurately measure the depth of each tyre groove, and sounds a warning if the central 75 per cent of the tyre has less than 1.6mm of tread.

An ACPO spokesman told Auto Express that evidence from the scanner wouldn’t initially result in points. “It would be used as a screening tool, with ?a checkpoint beyond,” he said.

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Larrybel2000 - 9/29/2011 2:14:42 PM

+1 Boost

They are not even trying to justify spending the money with solid DATA. They just want it..

g2ok - 9/29/2011 3:00:36 PM

+3 Boost

No doubt supported by the tire industry. Oops, I mean tyre industry.
Why don't they put in teeth scanners to make sure everyone brushes.

lewishamiltonpimp - 9/30/2011 8:45:49 AM

+1 Boost

Wow. I'm glad I got out 20 years ago.

Wimmer - 10/2/2011 7:09:17 AM

+2 Boost

"Are German road that bad now? Germany needs even more stringent systems to automatically inform German drivers they need new tires? Germans are not capable of checking their own tires?"
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Our roads are excellent. But the high speeds allowed on our Autobahns means our tires wear out quicker than in most other countries, especially if the driver drives fast. Like me. My summer tires on a 2007 BMW 118i are nearly worn out. I need new ones. The TÜV inspections are every two years (three years for a brand new car) and are simply a means of ensuring that people take care of their cars.

I imagine that in America the average consumer will complain to Consumer Reports about the "poor quality and reliability of their BMW, Audi, MB tires" or something when they're worn out. *Devil Smiley*

And I am glad we have these mandatory inspections. It makes me feel a lot safer blasting down the Autobahn knowing that my car is in good condition and technically flawless and that the same applies to all other drivers around me.

olscuul - 9/29/2011 8:57:44 PM

+3 Boost

Just get some soccer hooligan to stomp it for a pint.

MorePower - 9/30/2011 4:34:08 AM

+1 Boost

The UK does not feel or want their citizens to own a car, or at the very least, a gas powered one.

1c3am5 - 9/30/2011 6:30:10 AM

+1 Boost

More like "Governments do not want their citizens to be mobile." Read Al Gore's crappy book... He admits it. Why the Republicans didn't turn that paragraph into an ad is beyond me.

Well, not really. They don't like mobilized citizens either.

bmwdrvr - 9/30/2011 10:41:50 AM

+1 Boost

your right the korean government doesnt sell out their own I LOVE how informed you are about a country thats been divided for decades you know their is a North and South right of course you do your opinion is so educated NOT!!!!!