Merseyside garage owner attempting to ban old tyres on public vehicles

A garage owner in St Helens has carried out his own "sting" type operation to highlight the dangers of old tyres on public vehicles.

John Stone managed to get cars with old tyres fitted licensed as taxis in Merseyside.

He has now convinced one Merseyside council to change the rules when it comes to using old tyres on taxis and buses in the borough.

John was inspired by Frances Molloy, the campaigning mother from Liverpool, whose son died in a coach crash.

She wants old tyres banned from public transport buses and cabs that many of us assume are completely safe.

• Video report by Andy Bonner

Mrs Molloy has expressed her anger at the government for not banning of tyres over 10-years-old from UK roads.

A consultation process was due to be published by the government on the matter last year.

The Department for Transport said: "The government is committed to improving road safety.

"We’re currently analysing more than 1,100 responses to our consultation and will publish next steps in spring."