A MAN from Somerset has avoided a driving ban after driving a van with tyres that did not have sufficient tread.

Mihai Gradu, of Selwood Court, Keyford, was caught driving a Renault Master van on the A350 (Stony Gutter) in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, “when the grooves of the tread pattern of a tyre fitted to the front offside wheel of the vehicle were not of a depth of at least 1.6mm”.

Cars, goods vehicles, and caravans weighing less than 3,500kg must have tyre tread depth of at least 1.6mm throughout a continuous band in the central three-quarters of the breadth of tread and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Gradu, 37, was proved guilty under the single justice procedure by Swindon Magistrates’ Court on August 19, 2021.

He was handed three penalty points on Tuesday, March 8, but he avoided a totting up disqualification usually given to drivers who rack up 12 points within a three-year period.

Court documents say he avoided a ban because it would have cost him his job and income, “which would affect support for family”.   

Gradu was fined £307 and ordered to pay a £34 surcharge and costs of £110.

He has until April 5 to pay his £451 court bill.

Read more: Police pulled over this van being driven through Bridgwater yesterday 

Read more: Driver on phone in Taunton found to be uninsured in car with illegal tyres