Use of illegal, defective and under-inflated tyres resulted into more than 1210 casualties on British roads during 2010, figures released by the Department for Transport revealed.

Tyresafe chairman Stuart Jackson described the figures as ‘shocking,’ and stressed on the need of raising awareness about tyre safety issues.

Speaking on the topic, Jackson said, "The latest figures are truly shocking and emphasise why we need ongoing action, education and awareness about tyre safety issues.”

UK tyre firm ATS Euromaster recently warned motorists of the possible negative outcomes of using of illegal tyres. Use of illegal tyres could bring about fines of up to £2,500, penalty points on a licence, or- in the worst case- a crash.

Chris Hufflett, of ATS Euromaster, recommended that motorists must inspect the tread depths and pressures of the tyres of their cars before going on any long journey or at least once in a month.

The UK is going to observe organize Tyre Safety month, staring 1st of October. Motorists will be able to have free tyre safety checks at any of hundreds of garages and tyre dealers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.