FLEETS which do not make sure wheels are properly secured on vehicles are putting the lives of drivers and other road users at risk, a leading road safety organisation is warning.

Brake is calling on fleets to tighten up on wheel security or face losses of hundreds of pounds in downtime, vehicle repairs, legal costs, management time, recovery costs, damaged stock, missed load cost, damaged reputation and increased insurance.

Over a period of two months the Vehicle Inspectorate recorded 303 cases of loose wheels where a prohibition notice was issued.

The majority of wheel losses are the result of broken studs or nuts – the devices that clamp the wheel to the vehicle.

Brake is calling on fleets to impose stringent maintenance procedures and fit extra safety devices that will alert drivers if a wheel is loose.

  • A copy of the Wheel Loss fact sheet is available from Brake on 01484 559909.