SYKES CALLS FOR SAFE TYRES FOR POLICE 4WD

The Nationals Member for Benalla, Bill Sykes, has called on the Minister for Police & Emergency Services, Tim Holding, to have police four-wheel-drive vehicles fitted with appropriate off-road tyres.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Dr Sykes said, “For reasons that defy logic, four-wheel-drive police vehicles in northeast Victoria which are committed to snow field work 24/7 for four months of the year, only have road tyres fitted.

“These tyres provide poor traction off-road in snow and ice, rocky terrain or in muddy conditions.

“Given that the four-wheel-drive vehicles were purchased to enable police to access areas not accessible by conventional vehicles; it is difficult to comprehend why suitable off-road tyres are not provided.

“I imagine that the Police Minister would be aware of the normal practice overseas in countries that are subjected to long, cold, icy winters; that is, having an additional set of winter tyres with appropriate tread or spikes. These tyres are fitted for the winter period.

“In Australia there is even a range of suitable off-road tyres which easily exceed the 120kph speed rating, meaning that one set of tyres could be suitable for use on four-wheel-drive vehicles throughout the year.

Dr Sykes concluded, “I call on the Bracks’ Government to ensure that police four-wheel-drive vehicles are immediately fitted with appropriate off-road tyres to enable police four-wheel-drives to safely do the work for which they were purchased.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989