Cumbria Constabulary has been awarded the prestigious TyreSafe outstanding achievement award for 2011 for its ‘tireless’ campaign work promoting tyre safety. The accolade was presented by Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe to PC Shaun McKeown, Forensic Vehicle Examiner for Cumbria Police Collision Investigation Unit, and Sgt Graeme Hodgson from the Roads Policing Unit at the Tyre Recovery Association’s annual dinner held at St Johns Hotel in Solihull on 17th June.

TyreSafe, a not-for-profit organisation, is the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation and is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of correct tyre maintenance and the dangers associated with defective and illegal tyres.

Jackson said: “Our thanks go to Cumbria Constabulary for its relentless drive in supporting tyre safety. Not only has it been a great partner behind the scenes but has also been at the fore in many of our initiatives, as well as promoting those of its own.”

“Indeed, PC McKeown was a key speaker at our inaugural industry roadshow earlier this year, once again highlighting how Cumbria Police is willing to go the extra mile to spread the tyre safety message.”

Additional praise was also given to the hard work undertaken by Cumbrian officers to highlight motorbike tyre safety, as the county is a favourite with those wanting to experience the beautiful scenery and diverse riding conditions. Another exciting partnership was with transport and logistics firm Eddie Stobart, whose headquarters are based in Cumbria, which saw a unique tyre safety livery on one of its fleet’s trailers.

PC McKeown said: “Tyre maintenance is something that is often overlooked by motorists when it should be high up on everybody’s priorities to ensure that we don’t become another road casualty statistic.

“Unfortunately, police and our emergency services partners have to deal with the horrific aftermath of collisions on a daily basis and defective or unsafe tyres can often be a contributing factor.

“However, TyreSafe plays a hugely important role in raising the awareness of the dangers of unsafe tyres, so we’re only too happy to be involved. Road safety is an absolute priority for Cumbria Constabulary.”