Essex Police using thermal imaging cameras to detect tyre hot spots

Officers from Essex Police’s commercial vehicle unit have been using handheld thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature measurements, making it easier to detect tyre faults.

A cold tyre can cause understeer (front wheels) or oversteer (rear tyres) while too hot means rapid wear and loss of traction as if the tyre is bald.

The optimal tyre condition is when the rubber is flexible enough to conform to the road for maximum grip, but not so hot it degrades quickly.

The mobile infra-red inspection device can detect where on the vehicle the hot spots are, showing coloured panels on screen, allowing officers to take the appropriate action or give advice to commercial drivers.

It can also detect a ‘hot hub’. Axle fires are a real issue if a vehicle is overloaded on one axle which is overheating severely, potentially to the point of a fire.

This is a serious safety hazard and usually indicates mechanical failure or improper maintenance.

In addition, Essex Police can use the information to intervene before any lorry fire takes hold, leading to delayed journeys across the UK’s main road network.