Transport companies in the Bristol area have been warned about purchasing second-hand tyres for their vehicles.

Many logistics firms have found it hard to remain profitable since the recession took hold in 2008-09 and fleet operators have understandably been looking for ways to minimise costs.

However, an investigation by Bristol Trading Standards officers found that used tyre salespeople in the city have been putting road users' lives in danger by selling substandard products.

While it is not illegal to purchase second-hand tyres, they have to meet certain criteria - such as having at least 2 mm tread depth.

Inspectors scrutinised ten part-worn tyres from retailers across the region and discovered that all of them failed to meet these regulations.

Dean Gray, Trading Standards investigator for Bristol City Council, said: "We have seen some horrific cases, including a tyre sold as new but which was in fact 16 years old and blew up on the motorway the day after."