Motorists should try the 20 pence test to check tyres

This month is is recommended that every driver takes the 20p Test.

Place 20p in the groove of each tyre, and if you cannot see the outer band of the coin, then your tyre has a tread depth above the legal minimum.

If you cannot see it, then you need to consider changing the tyre, if it less than 1.6mm deep, it must be changed by law.

For more information visit: www.drivesafely.org.uk.

The Bedfordshire and Luton Casualty Reduction Partnership will be offering free vehicle checks at local businesses throughout October.

This event was first held at the end of 2013 and has so far seen over 600 vehicles checked.

Luton councillor Dave Taylor said: “As winter approaches it is extremely important that your tyres are able to remove the water from the road surface so that they have contact with the road and you can brake, steer and accelerate properly.”

Central Bedfordshire councillor Budge Wells said: “Remember, you only have four small areas about the size of a sheet of A4 paper holding your vehicle to the road. So do please make sure that you check your tyres’ tread and pressures at least once a month.”