GARAGES selling part worn tyres have been targeted during a week-long operation.

Officers from Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit collaborated on a week of activity with partners from Trading Standards teams at local councils to educate business owners across the region on the correct way to sell part worn tyres.

Over the past week, officers and trading standards teams visited 29 businesses in Darlington, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland, Chester-le-Street, Middlesbrough and Stockton, of which none complied fully with the regulations on how to inspect, display, mark and fit part worn tyres.

It is not illegal to sell part worn tyres, provided the seller follows industry guidance and standards to inspect, repair, mark and price the tyres correctly.

Chief Inspector Graham Milne said: “During this operation we have discovered tyres being sold that were 17-years-old where the internal rubber had perished, that were torn or had chunks missing and that have very little tread depth remaining.

“Good tyres keep you safe as they connect the vehicle to the road. There are some sellers of these tyres who aren’t concerned about your safety just making money. Please be careful and think about what you are really buying."