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[Dishevelled Den]

God help us if there was real problems.

That's the one.

This country is woefully unprepared for any cohesive response to widespread disruption of any sort.

[Gaffers]

The situation in Germany would possibly suit us better then.  While not a legal requirement there are a lot of incentives to drive in Winter with winter tyres on.  Firstly if you get stuck in winter with summer tyres on the police will charge you getting you out.  Also if you have an accident in winter with sumer tyres on you stand a good chance of bearing the full blame unless you have winter tyres on, esp if having summer tyres on contributed to the accident.

If the police see you with summer tyres on in winter they cant and wont do anything about it, until it becomes a contributing factor in an incident.  So while it is not compulsory it makes bloody good sense to have winter tyres 

[Psychoca]

We only get a few days each year where the temparatures and conditions really warrant a use for Winter tyres across the majority of the UK.  I accept in some parts, that they may be practical, but in the main, they are simply an unwarranted expense.

I accept that they function better on the wet and slippery roads in the lower temparatures, but, the Highway code states that we should drive according to the road conditions, so, additional braking distances and perhaps reduced speed is more practical...

The big issue is that the authorities should be handling the salting/gritting in a better manner...

Ah, yes well you say that Psychoca, don't get me wrong, I'm normally one of the first to start pointing out the failings of the authorities, especially my local labour one.

However, I have seen and heard all these people on the news etc complaining about the state of the roads and the authorities alleged failings with regard to salt acquisition, distribution and spreading. I've even heard stories of people abusing the gritter drivers whilst they're at work.

What I would say to them is the authorities do what they can with the resources they have, and yes sometimes they get caught out like the rest of us. I think it's wrong for people to expect all roads to be totally clear after a heavy fall of snow.

It's nature, one force we cannot stop or control, and the fact that lots of people are complaining about the authorities just shows the culture we have in Britain of a lack or personal responsibility, expecting someone else to do it and a blame culture. Why don't residents clear the snow in their own street?

God help us if there was real problems.

Sadly, in general there is a lack of community spirit that would allow such a task to happen...  The other sad issue is that people are scared of being sued should someone have an accident on an area of snow that they have cleared...

[cem_devecioglu]

We only get a few days each year where the temparatures and conditions really warrant a use for Winter tyres across the majority of the UK.  I accept in some parts, that they may be practical, but in the main, they are simply an unwarranted expense.

I accept that they function better on the wet and slippery roads in the lower temparatures, but, the Highway code states that we should drive according to the road conditions, so, additional braking distances and perhaps reduced speed is more practical...

The big issue is that the authorities should be handling the salting/gritting in a better manner...

Ah, yes well you say that Psychoca, don't get me wrong, I'm normally one of the first to start pointing out the failings of the authorities, especially my local labour one.

However, I have seen and heard all these people on the news etc complaining about the state of the roads and the authorities alleged failings with regard to salt acquisition, distribution and spreading. I've even heard stories of people abusing the gritter drivers whilst they're at work.

What I would say to them is the authorities do what they can with the resources they have, and yes sometimes they get caught out like the rest of us. I think it's wrong for people to expect all roads to be totally clear after a heavy fall of snow.

It's nature, one force we cannot stop or control, and the fact that lots of people are complaining about the authorities just shows the culture we have in Britain of a lack or personal responsibility, expecting someone else to do it and a blame culture. Why don't residents clear the snow in their own street?

God help us if there was real problems.

good point.. unfortunately my neighbours dont have this habbit and cleaning our road is left to my wife and me..

and when its compacted and turns to ice , they complain that cars do that.. 

[Debs.]

Sadly, in general there is a lack of community spirit that would allow such a task to happen...  The other sad issue is that people are scared of being sued should someone have an accident on an area of snow that they have cleared...

When snow and ice are a problem; when I`m passing the village-elder`s houses, I stop, shovel and grit their paths and pavement....they`re over 80 years old, but despite them not being my (direct) neighbours I do it anyway, as it seems the 'right' thing to do...their 'actual' neighbours don`t even clear their own drives/paths let alone do it for the seniors!

I might add that my nearest neighbour has a barn full of machinery which would make light work of clearing local roads blocked with snow and ice (he even has a road-plough)...but he won`t help ANYBODY; he`s not above accepting help off others though.

I guess the 'modern way' (for many) is just to be a bit selfish and (dare I say it) lazy.

[bluey]

As said above, making yet another law will have little impact.  There is a big enough problem with uninsured drivers on the roads, making it a legal requirement to have a spare set of wheels shod with suitable tyres will be ignored by a large number of people and will be very hard to enforce. 

Instead, and again as mentioned above, make it demonstrably worth the trouble to get suitable tyres through insurance discounts and putting the onus of responsibility in the event of an accident on the person driving a vehicle not adequately prepared for the conditions. 

I did once have an idea where drivers could rent winter wheels and tyres, but it hit a bit of a brick wall because of the huge range you would have to store.  Although I suppose it could be done in a sort of contract hire way, so you pay a small amount each month and the boots are bought and prepped ready for collection when required.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Its not the boots that causes the issues in the Uk, its the seat-steering wheel interface

[Auto Addict]

Its not the boots that causes the issues in the Uk, its the seat-steering wheel interface

 

[Amigo]

I see your point but i'm saying NO. We're dictated to enough as it is. It's driving awareness that needs looking at. I've struggled on with the Migs normal tyres & in the 66 Cortina estate, & an artic once i get to work.
    Not fair for me & others to fork out on two sets of tyres that'll only be used for a week or two because some folk can't drive according to the conditions.
    There's a huge margin between drivers & motorists. This is where the difference shows & i should'nt have to buy 8 new tyres to compensate for others inadequacies, they'd still crash/get stuck regardless of what tyres i'm running.

[waspy]

I see one problem here, alot of drivers don't know how to change a wheel
As other's have said, it's not the tyres

[cem_devecioglu]

Its not the boots that causes the issues in the Uk, its the seat-steering wheel interface

 

I'm afraid we have lots of bad interface examples too

[aaronjb]

Like the old computing adage of .. PEBKAC - Problem Exists Between Keyboard And Chair.

I guess this would be PEBCAC

[cem_devecioglu]

interestimg point of views..

but regardless of the interface quality we must not forget two main points..

1. laws of physics and nature dont care about your budget.. if you are heavy enough and boots not suitable you will skate and crash (if you are able to move of course)

2. before worrying about others incompetencies,
  first we have to clean our house and garden

[Andy B]

I see one problem here, alot of drivers don't know how to change a wheel

and they are prepared to wait ages for a recovery outfit to do it for them, often citing elf 'n' safety for doing so.  :-?

As other's have said, it's not the tyres

but the nut holding the wheel. 

[Vamps]

Most people seem to be talking about difficulties in the snow, imho it is the compacted snow, ie, ice that causes the most problems, including black ice and M&S Tyres will slide on this just as much, as said educate the drives....