- The purpose of our inspections is to increase traffic safety and better accessibility on Norwegian roads during the winter, says the inspection manager of the Norwegian Public Roads Authority, Kjetil Wigdel.
Inspectors from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration checked tires and chains on 64550 heavy vehicles last winter. Now they are ready for the new season.
- Even though the winter season officially starts on November 1. The weather made us check winter tires and the right amount of chains in several places. All drivers are responsible for making sure the car they drive is in good condition, says Wigdel.
96% had homologated tires
Statistics for the winter of 2020/2021 show that the vast majority of heavy-duty drivers are aware of their responsibility when it comes to tires and chains. Of the nearly 65 motor vehicles and trailers inspected, 000 did not have approved tires. 2533 vehicles did not have enough chains.
- This means that more than 96 percent of the vehicles we inspected had approved tires. While this is a large part, we hope it will be even greater in the coming winter, says Wigdel.
- Good tires are no guarantee
In recent years, the requirements for winter equipment have been gradually tightened. Truck drivers who are stopped with tires that are not approved can now face a fine of NOK 2000 per tire. If you do not have the correct number of chains, you can get a fee of up to NOK 1500 for the missing chain.
Stricter requirements and higher toll rates likely mean that both transport companies and drivers check tires and chains before setting off Norwegian winter roads, says Kjetil Wigdel. He emphasizes, however, that good tires do not guarantee problems winter roads.
- Good tire equipment is very important, but it does not solve all the challenges that can arise on slippery roads. The competence and judgment of the driver are also important. These are things we don't control at our checkpoints, says Wigdel.
. Statistics
Number of vehicles inspected (cars and trailers) 64550
Number of cars inspected 38172
Number of trailers inspected 26378
Number of vehicles without homologated winter tires 2533
Number of cars with missing chains 1154
Read our next article: Tire Replacement in OsloSource: Norwegian Public Roads Authority
