Tyrepal is warning fleets that vehicles with worn or damaged tyres could be at risk of immediate prohibition.

PG9 orders are roadworthiness prohibitions issued by UK police forces to tackle poor bus, coach and HGV maintenance.

In 2013 a London HGV task force issued 1,565 PG9s and seized 41 vehicles in the capital city alone.

The condition of tyres is included in the categorisation of defects under the PG9 regulation. Police will issue an immediate prohibition if tyre tread is worn beyond the legal limit, or tyres are dangerously underinflated.

Peter Tillotson, business development manager of Tyrepal, said: "Unfortunately, many commercial drivers are not aware of how tyre defects and incorrect maintenance can affect their credibility as a safe road user."

For drivers that receive an immediate prohibition, the consequences are severe. The vehicle will be immobilised and the driver could face prosecution, depending on the severity of the defect.

The easiest way to manage tyre pressure and ensure under inflation is not causing damage, is to use a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

A TPMS continuously monitors tyre pressure and temperature and warns the driver when they exceed preset levels.