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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Cathy Owen

Police stunned by state of car's tyres after it crashed off M4

Police have issued a warning about making sure your car is roadworthy after a crash on the M4.

Officers said the driver of the car that ended up on its roof on the side of the motorway was "lucky to get away without injury".

The crash happened near Pontarddulais in wet conditions.

South Wales Police's roads unit shared pictures of the car's tyre and the vehicle being moved from the side of the road.

They said: "If there's ever an example of dangerous tyres, it's here."

The state of one of the tyres on the crashed car (South Wales Police roads policing unit)

They also posted advice on keeping your vehicle safe.

The law requires car tyres to have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm in a continuous band around the central three-quarters of the tyre.

The tread must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference.

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The RAC says: "Checking your legal tyre tread depth is one of the most important checks you can make on your car.

"Having worn tyres means the only contact patch between you and the road is past its best.

"You could almost call it an accident waiting to happen."

On Tuesday, as wet conditions hit for the first time following a lengthy dry spell, Traffic Wales tweeted to say: "Rain across the network today. If travel is absolutely necessary please ensure your vehicle is fit for purpose.

"Drive to the conditions of the road. Our traffic officers are still patrolling the network, don’t expose us by you not preparing!"

Due to the ongoing lockdown drivers have been granted a six-month exemption from getting an MOT. Nevertheless vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition and garages will remain open for essential repair work. Drivers can be prosecuted if driving unsafe vehicles.

If you need advice on how to keep your car maintained while it's not in use during the lockdown click here.

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