Support services - Wheel and tyre management policy (T07105)

1.0 Summary of Changes

1.1 This joint procedure/SOP was reviewed in February 2024, the following amendments have been made:

• Paragraph 3.8.4 updated in relation to the Essex call out number;
• Paragraph 3.10 updated in relation to winter tyres.

2.0 What this Procedure/SOP is About

2.1 This procedure/SOP outlines the processes for tyre checking and wheel changing to be used by Essex and Kent staff when using vehicles for police business.

2.2 This procedure/SOP applies to all users of police vehicles. Exceptions include personal vehicles operated under a private user mileage scheme or lease vehicles where responsibility does not sit with the force.

Compliance with this procedure/SOP and any governing policy is mandatory.

3.0 Detail the Procedure/SOP

3.1 Driver Responsibilities

3.1.1 Drivers of vehicles are responsible for the roadworthiness of any vehicle they drive. Drivers are required to check wheels and tyres as part of the pre-use and weekly vehicle check process. See T 07101 Procedure/SOP - Vehicle Maintenance.

3.1.2 Tyre Tread Depths

3.1.2.1 Tread depths on all vehicles must be maintained to the current legal limits.. However, there are variations for some vehicles and in accordance with ACPO guidelines vehicles used for response driving require tyre replacement at 3mm tread depth. Motorcycle tyre tread minimum standards are recommended not to fall below 2mm. Fleet tyre depth on response commercial vehicles should not fall below a minimum of 2mm.

3.1.2.2 For the purposes of this procedure/SOP “Response” is defined as any vehicle authorised and fitted with warning equipment to enable it to be driven under response conditions. 

3.2 Tyre Pressures

3.2.1 Tyre pressures must be maintained at the manufacturers recommended figures (normally a sticker on the driver’s door shut or in the fuel flap) and checked in line with T 07101 Procedure/SOP - Vehicle Maintenance. Transport Services will provide pressure details if there are alternatives.

3.2.2 Commercial or Light Goods Vehicles (LGV)

3.2.2.1 Commercial vehicle users should ensure that the pressures used are correct for the laden condition of the vehicle (or trailer). Further advice is available from Transport Services.

3.2.2.2 In addition to normal visual inspection and pressure verification, tyres that are 5 years or older should continue to be thoroughly inspected at least annually.

3.2.2.3 Tyres 10 years or older are to be replaced on trucks and buses or earlier if stipulated by the governing authorities.

3.2.2.4 The age of a tyre can be determined by the last digits shown on the tyre wall, i.e. 4712 means that the tyre was made the 47th week of 2012 (where week 1 is the week in which 1st January falls). Tyres before 2000 use 3 digits; 2 for the week and the final for the last digit of year.

3.3 Spare Wheels and Tyres

3.3.1 Some vehicles are fitted with a spare wheel and tyre, vehicle jack and wheel-brace. The presence of this equipment must be checked as part of T 07101 Procedure/SOP - Vehicle Maintenance.

3.3.2 Some vehicles are supplied with a tyre sealant can and inflator, instead of a spare wheel. See paragraph 3.4.6 below.

3.4 Self Wheel Changing/Temporary Repair

3.4.1 Before changing a vehicle wheel, the user must carry out a dynamic risk assessment (DRA) following any available manufacturer’s instruction and taking into consideration the location, position, traffic, slope, surface material and personal capability etc.

3.4.2 Changing a wheel must only be undertaken by a person who has the full knowledge, capability, and competency to undertake the task safely.

3.4.3 If there is any doubt, the activity should not be undertaken and instructions for a workshop or contractor repair should be followed, see section 3.5 below.

3.4.4 In the event a user changes the wheel themselves, they must adhere to the following:

• Check that the spare wheel is the same make, size, and type as the one removed and appropriate for the vehicle (except for space savers -See section 3.4.5 below);
• Any manufacturer instructions must be followed, including correct fitting of wheel nuts;
• Under no circumstances must the vehicle be used for pursuit, response or sustained motorway driving until the wheels have been checked and correctly torqued by appropriately qualified technicians (either tyre contractor or Transport Services);
• Wheels must be checked as above as soon as possible.

3.4.5 Emergency Use Spare Wheels (“Space savers”)

3.4.5.1 Space saver wheels are supplied to some vehicles and can normally be used up to a maximum of 50mph and for a distance of no more than 50 miles. These limits may vary and are printed on the wheel.

3.4.5.2 These may be fitted for the continuation of a journey until a repair or replacement can be effected. This is intended as a “get you home” measure and the driving characteristics may be very different to normal road wheels; accordingly, they must never be used for any form of response driving.

3.4.5.3 Where an emergency spare is fitted, a sign should be attached in a prominent position in front of the driver to advise any subsequent drivers of the condition and limitations of the vehicle.

3.4.5.4 All space saver wheels are fitted in the same way as any other wheel.

3.4.6 Temporary Puncture Repair Systems

3.4.6.1 These may be supplied to vehicles not equipped with spare wheels. These systems utilise a liquid sealant for a temporary puncture repair and a means of re-inflating the tyre.

3.4.6.2 Drivers should refer to the vehicle handbook for instructions on how to use this system. Under no circumstances should this system be used if the tyre has been run in a fully deflated condition or displays evidence of damage. As with wheel changing, these should not be used unless the individual is competent.

3.4.6.3 Where the temporary repair system is used, instructions must be followed to ensure the tyre is correctly inflated and the warning label placed prominently inside the vehicle.

3.4.6.4 The vehicle must be referred to Transport Services workshops at the earliest opportunity to effect a proper and permanent repair. Any vehicle subject to a temporary puncture repair may not be used for any form of response driving until such time as a full repair has been effected.

3.4.7 Directional Tyres

3.4.7.1 Where a directional, asymmetric or composite tyre is supplied as a spare, it may be used with an incorrect direction of rotation or fitment as a temporary measure but must be changed at the earliest opportunity. Maximum speed allowed is 50mph and a distance of no more than 100 miles.

3.4.7.2 Where an emergency spare is fitted in this way, a sign should be attached in a prominent position in front of the driver to advise any subsequent drivers of the condition and limitations of the vehicle.

3.4.7.3 In all cases separate arrangements apply for out of hours – see section 3.8.

3.5 Tyre Replacement/Repair

3.5.1 Following a user wheel change or temporary repair, vehicles must attend the workshop or suitable contractor to ensure the safety and security of the wheel or to affect a permanent tyre repair or replacement.

3.5.2 Essex Police and Kent Police

3.5.2.1 Fit the spare wheel where possible and drive to the nearest Transport Services workshop or HiQ tyre garage during normal opening times, where they will affect a replacement / repair. If this is not possible, HiQ can be called out using the following contact number 0800 474474 (available on a 24/7 basis). If a service is not available, and as a last resort Force Control Room (FCR) should be contacted to arrange recovery of the vehicle.

3.5.2.2 HiQ can be called out to the roadside location or premises.

3.6 Provision of Tyres

3.6.1 All tyres are procured by Transport Services in line with national framework agreements. Tyres can only be procured by Transport Services but where appropriate contractors are used for wheel changing and tyres, permission is given for those contractors to deal with the repairs on behalf of the Head of Transport Services.

3.7 Out of County

3.7.1 If users are out of county, and the user is not competent to change the wheel, contact should be made with the user’s Force Control Room to arrange recovery or site repair/replacement.
 
3.8 Out of hours for Essex and Kent Users

3.8.1 An out of hour’s service is available where deemed operationally essential, only for the following duty roles, and where authorised by the duty FCR Inspector:

• All Firearms vehicles;
• Traffic vehicles;
• Response vehicles;
• Dog vehicles.

3.8.2 The above standard instructions apply in respect of changing wheels and tyres. The out of hour’s facility enables a critical operational vehicle to be placed back into full operational service with the minimum delay.

3.8.3 The cost of this service is high and if misused, may result in those costs being redirected to the section / department concerned.

3.8.4 Call out is via HiQ Tyres on 0800 474474. For Essex police vehicles please advise HiQ call centre that priority calls should be to Zappy Tyres on 07988 975344

• The contractor will not commence repair until details of authorisation are given by name, number and rank which the officers presenting the vehicle must provide;
• The contractor is only authorised to fit materials currently specified by the Head of Transport and those presenting vehicles for repair must not agree alternative parts to be used;
• The contractor will require the fleet number and vehicle registration number, (this is mandatory), the drivers name and PIN number and signature of the driver;
• The contractor will issue the driver with an advice note which emailed or posted to Transport Services the following day;
• A list of contractors’ addresses, hours and telephone numbers for each county is available on the Transport Service website.

3.8.5 Separate arrangements apply for winter tyres – see section 3.10 below.

3.9 Repair of Single Wheels

3.9.1 A considerable range of tyres and wheel types are now in operation across the fleet and to avoid the risk of incompatible wheels and tyres being used, no stocks of spare wheels or tyres are to be kept at LPAs/divisions/departments.
 
3.9.2 Single wheels are not to be presented to Transport Services workshops for repair other than in exceptional circumstances and where previously agreed with Transport Services. Any wheels presented in this manner must be clearly marked with the vehicle registration, fleet number, odometer reading and wheel position. When repaired, the wheel must be re-fitted to the same vehicle.

3.10 Winter Tyres

The majority of police vehicles now run on “All Weather Tyres”.
There may be a few vehicles, mainly BMW’s that are still running on Winter Tyres in which case please read details below.

3.10.1 Winter tyres are provided for certain fleet vehicles during particularly bad weather. In the event of winter tyres being required, Transport Services will advise the respective users and will call those vehicles to the workshops for tyre changes.

• Winter tyres will be deployed only after consultation between Head of Transport,
  CI Roads Policing and Driver Training;
• Winter tyres will be fitted when there is clear indication of continuous snowfall that has settled or low temperatures i.e. less than 7 degrees or sustained periods of cold / icy weather;
• In the first instance, winter tyres will be fitted to a select number of vehicles, decided on by the CI Roads Policing and the Head of Transport;
• The changeover to winter tyres will only be carried out by Kent / Essex transport Services Department and under no circumstances will these be fitted by sub-contractors (in order to maintain records and include appropriate signage in vehicles in respect of use);
• The speed limit is reduced to 120 mph when winter tyres are fitted. Responsibility ensuring restricted use sits with the Head of RPU and also refers to appropriate signage in vehicles;
• The vehicle handling and driving characteristics will be affected by the fitment of winter tyres and drivers must be aware of possible changes taking appropriate measures while in control of a vehicle to compensate for such changes (subject to appropriate advice from Driver Training);
• If urgent repairs or replacements for winter tyres are required OUT OF HOURS the point of contacts are Kent 07980 684137 and Essex 07966 511427;
• Repairs or replacements will be available from both Kent and Essex Transport Services during core hours.

3.10.2 In the event of a vehicle being fitted with such tyres an “in vehicle” sticker will be provided by Transport Services to advise the user that this is the case.

3.11 Motorcycles

3.11.1 All motorcycle tyre repairs or replacements, including wheel removal and refitting is only to be undertaken by an appropriately qualified member of Transport Services department.
 
3.11.2 Covert Motorcycles

3.11.2.1 Covert teams may be issued with an Emergency Roadside Puncture Repair kit. These kits allow the rider to effect a temporary tyre repair if the situation arises. They must only be used under the following guidelines:

3.11.2.2 These kits are designed as a “get you home” repair. If a tyre is to be repaired, the motorcycle must not be used in an operational capacity until the tyre has been professionally repaired or replaced by either an approved tyre contractor or a Transport Services workshop.

3.11.2.3 Before attempting repair, the rider must carry out a dynamic risk assessment (DRA) taking into consideration the location and position of the motorcycle, and personal capability etc. The repair should only be carried out in accordance with the kit manufacturer’s instructions. The repair must only be repaired by the rider if they have the full knowledge, capability, and competency to carry out the task safely.

3.11.2.4 Under no circumstances should a repair be carried out if the tyre has been run in a fully deflated condition or displays any evidence of damage. The kits are designed to only repair punctures caused by small objects up to 3mm in diameter such as nails, screws, etc.

3.11.2.5 Any repair must be limited to the centre three quarters of the rear tyre tread only. Front tyres should not be repaired under any circumstances.

3.11.2.6 If an emergency repair has been carried out, the tyre pressures must be checked at the earliest opportunity. The CO2 canisters provided with the kits only provide limited pressure to enable the motorcycle to be ridden away to a place of safety.

3.11.2.7 Motorcycles with a repaired tyre may be ridden up to a maximum speed of 50 mph and for no more than 50 miles. This will enable the motorcycle to be ridden to a Transport Services workshop for repair or replacement.

3.12 Commercial Vehicles

3.12.1 In all circumstances in the event of wheel and tyre problems, the user of the vehicle must call FCR to arrange recovery of the vehicle to workshops.

3.13 Lease Vehicles

3.13.1 Users of Lease Vehicles have the same responsibility for care and maintenance of their tyres and wheels as all other authorised vehicle users.

3.13.2 Users of lease vehicles should follow the instructions contained in the lease provider’s documentation or website. The lease holder should not use HiQ or contact FCR for assistance. The lease contract includes emergency call out if required.

3.14 Hire Vehicles

3.14.1 Users of vehicles hired from external suppliers have the same responsibility for checking the condition and pressure of tyres as for all other police vehicles. In the event of tyres requiring replacement, users should consult the information provided with the vehicle or contact the hire company.

3.15 Bicycle Tyres

3.15.1 Approved police bicycles are equipped with puncture resistant tyres in order to reduce the likelihood and incident of tyre deflation whilst on patrol.

3.15.2 In the event that a tyre deflation does occur, police bicycles are equipped with a tyre sealant and puncture repair kit to assist repairs. Users should affect a repair to the inner tube using the means provided and as soon as practicable replace the damaged tube with a new one before the end of duty, unless prevented doing so by an operational requirement. If this is the case, the repair should be highlighted to potential subsequent users in order that the defective tube is replaced at the earliest opportunity.

3.16 Disposal of Tyres

3.16.1 Disposal of tyres is classed as hazardous waste and therefore waste tyres must only be disposed of by Transport Services and recognised tyre contractors. Under no circumstances shall a police vehicle user dispose of tyres independently.

3.17 Tyre Matching

3.17.1 Replacement tyres must be of the same size as the original fitment and matched laterally by make, tread type/pattern and tread depth across each axle.

3.17.2 On response vehicles only, the tyres must be matched by make and tread type/pattern on all four wheels.

3.17.3 On four-wheel drive vehicles, tyres must be matched by tread depth between front and rear axles with the tread depth variation not exceeding 2 mm.

3.17.4 If only two new tyres are being fitted, they MUST be fitted to the rear of the vehicle not the front.

3.17.5 There should be no more than 2mm difference within the tread depth variations on tyres on the same axle for all response and traffic vehicles.

3.18 Run on Flat Repairs

3.18.1 Unless otherwise specified in the car owner's manual, a Goodyear or Dunlop self-supporting tyre can be repaired by a qualified tyre professional after a thorough inspection and analysis of the tyre history. In case of doubt the tyre should not be repaired.

3.18.2 Goodyear or Dunlop do not support tyre repairs under following conditions:

• Repairs outside the tread area;
• If the tyre sidewall area is damaged inside or outside of the tyre, by a sharp object. This damage may have damaged the supporting insert and would thus substantially reduce run flat distance or otherwise reduce the tyre life;
• If the tyre has been run at low or zero pressure (with warning alarm active) for a long distance or at too high speed. This can be identified through driver feedback, worn appearance of the external tyre shoulder or upper sidewall;
• Inner liner damage or rough appearance;
• Any damage that would make a standard tyre unrepairable.

4.0 Equality Impact Assessment

• EIA – September 2021

5.0 Risk Assessment

5.1 There is a risk of personal injury and vehicle damage if this procedure is not adhered to.

5.2 Drivers and supervisors should be aware that vehicles and associated equipment are regarded as ‘work equipment’ under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

6.0 Consultation

6.1 The following have been consulted during the formulation of this document:

• Head of Transport Services
• Transport Services Delivery Manager
• Engineering Services Manager
• Workshop Manager
• Federation / Unison
• H&S / Diversity
• FCR
• Head of Roads Policing
• Head of Driver Training

7.0 Monitoring and Review

7.1 This procedure/SOP is scheduled for full review every year and will be reviewed by the author and owner to ensure it remains accurate and fit for purpose.

8.0 Governing force policy

Related force policies or related procedures (Essex) / linked standard operating procedures (Kent)

• T 0710 Procedure/SOP - Vehicle Fleet Management
• T 07101 Procedure/SOP – Vehicle Maintenance
• T 07102 Procedure/SOP – Fuel and Electric Vehicle Charging Management
• T 07103 Procedure/SOP – Vehicle Log Books
• T 07104 Procedure/SOP – Provision and Use of Vehicles and Equipment
• T 07107 Procedure/SOP – Hire and Pool Vehicles
• T 07108 Procedure/SOP – Telematics, Provision and Management of Equipment, Users and Data
• T 07109 Procedure/SOP – Telematics, RFID Card Management

8.1 Data Security

8.1.1 Essex Police and Kent Police have measures in place to protect the security of data in accordance with our Information Management Policy – W 1000 Policy – Information Management.

8.2 Retention & Disposal of Records

8.2.1 Essex Police and Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention & Disposal Policy – W 1012 Procedure/SOP - Records Review, Retention and Disposal.

8.2.2 We will only hold data for as long as necessary for the purposes for which we collected.