CAR workshops and garages could be banned from selling used tyres due to road safety concerns.
During its weekly meeting, the Southern Municipal Council unanimously approved a proposal by chairman Bader Al Tamimi to ban the sale of used tyres.
Problems that occur in used or old tyres include loss of control of the vehicle and reduced grip on the road, particularly in wet conditions.
These can have fatal consequences for the driver and other motorists.
The proposal will be now reviewed by Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani.
“I don’t understand the logic of buying used tyres which are extremely unsafe since they could be worn, scratched or torn,” said Mr Al Tamimi.
Tyres have a production and expiry date as with any consumer product.
Though Bahrain has already banned the import of used tyres, there is no legislation stopping local vehicle repair workshops and garages from dealing in old tyres.
Alternatives
People opt for old and cheaper tyres because buying news ones could cost them anywhere between BD100 to BD1,000 depending on the size, added Mr Al Tamimi.
“So they prefer to spend between BD8 and BD10 per used tyre,” he said.
“But there are cheaper alternatives, such as tyres made in China which have passed relevant tests and meet the kingdom’s standards and cost between BD10 to BD12 each.”
Mr Al Tamimi believes used tyres should be used in recycling projects rather than back on vehicles.
“Used tyres could be used as artificial coral reefs, in road projects, as rubber artwork or even in medical equipment such as stethoscopes and blood pressure devices.
The GDN reported in July 2020 that a series of inspections were conducted by the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry’s Standards and Metrology Directorate during which 245 worn-out tyres were deemed unsafe for roads.
The worn-out tyres were seized from stores and destroyed.
The ministry has also urged people to scan the QR code on the label of tyres to check whether they conform to safety requirements.
While thanking the ministry for dealing with substandard new tyres, council services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said there should be a clampdown on the sale of used tyres.
“When someone thinks about saving money, they don’t think about safety.
“They see used tyres as an appealing and cheap option so they buy them – whether they explode or not, they don’t care.
“This is why a ban is necessary to ensure safety on the road.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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