A businessman and mechanic has questioned the Land and Transport Authority over the use of coloured tyres mainly green ones, whether they are illegal. 

Francis Uhrle bought green tires from one of the local companies some months ago. 

However, when a relative of his used the car he was stopped by an officer of L.T.A. saying the tyres are not allowed and should be removed. 

Mr. Uhrle asked where in the law does it state that coloured tyres are prohibited. 

“I have had the tyres for more than six months and all of a suddenly they say we cannot use them,” he told the Samoa Observer. 

“I had also queried the Police traffic officers whether there is a law about coloured tyres which they responded no. 

“As a qualified mechanic from New Zealand any product that is sold is passed by inspections to be safe and I don’t see anything unsafe about the coloured tires.

So I don’t understand the L.T.A and it is not good to have people with personal issues sitting on high government officials.”

Mr. Uhrle said he had also contacted the local distributor of the tyres who made it clear they had consulted with L.T.A. who approved the tyres to go on the shelves. 

It was not possible to get a comment from L.T.A. yesterday. The C.E.O. was in a meeting. 

The employees at the authority also declined to clarify if there is a law that prohibits the use of coloured tires. 

Asked for a comment, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure, Papali’I Niko Lee Hang said he was unaware of any law prohibiting coloured tyres.

“If they are cheaper then why not,” said Papali’i. 

“But I can’t recall any law prohibiting vehicles from using coloured tyres… I can’t see the problem with a car driving around with coloured tires. Those days we used to have white wall tyres. I don’t see that anymore.”