Police thermal image camera detects tyre hot spots

A police force believes it is the only one in England to use a handheld thermal imaging camera to detect faults in lorry tyres.

Essex Police said officers in its commercial vehicle unit previously did the checks by eye.

The equipment is used to detect hot spots in the tyres and also hot hubs, which can cause fires and subsequently lead to long delays on busy dual carriageways.

Officers could "use the information to intervene before any lorry fire takes hold", a spokesperson said.

A hot hub is caused when a vehicle is overloaded on one axle which can lead to overheating.

If drivers are stopped by officers, they would have to arrange for their lorries to be repaired.

However, if the heat was generated by an underinflated tyre, a mobile tyre fitter would be called to change the tyre - the force explained.

Essex Police said most people did not give their tyres a second thought, but the correct tyre temperature was crucial for overall vehicle safety, providing grip, handling, and correct performance.

"The optimal tyre condition is when the rubber is flexible enough to conform to the road for maximum grip, but not so hot it degrades quickly," said a police spokesperson.

The spokesperson urged all drivers to check their tyres before travel.

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