The government is looking at forcing owners of minibuses, coaches and lorries and possibly taxis and private hire vehicles to change tyres if they are ten years old or more.

It is consulting on the proposals which were prompted by the ‘Tyred’ campaign set up by Frances Molloy, whose son Michael died in a coach crash caused by a 19-year-old tyre in 2012.

If ministers approve the scheme it could come into force early next year.

Road Safety Minister, Michael Ellis, said: “Our priority is keeping people safe on our roads, and we are taking action to reduce the number of people killed or injured. There is increasing evidence that age affects the safety of tyres, which is why I think older tyres should not be used on large vehicles.

“I would like to thank Frances Molloy and the Tyred campaign for their work raising this important issue; the changes we are consulting on could save lives.”

The consultation runs for 10 weeks and follows continuing work looking at the effect of age on tyre performance and comes before a revised Road Safety Statement and two-year action plan due to be published shortly.