The Department for Transport has appointed a senior official to oversee the wheel supply industry, clamping down on defective wheels or companies supplying them.
The appointment came after the efforts of Paul Goggins MP to raise the issue of HGV wheel safety won him an award as Parliamentarian of the Month.
Goggins secured a House of Commons debate in March 2011 where the road safety minister Mike Penning reviewed evidence and agreed to the appointment.
Goggins said: “While tyres are closely monitored wheels are not. With more and more imported HGV wheels coming into the UK and a growing market for second-hand wheels it is time for the government to act. I welcome the minister’s decision to appoint a senior official to follow up specific concerns reported by individuals and companies within the wheel industry.”
Motor Wheel Service reckons that 10,000 substandard second-hand HGV wheels enter the UK market per year.
The award was from the road safety charity Brake, and Direct Line.
