TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB) has responded to a bill introduced by Florida State Senator Victor Crist that would prohibit the use of retreaded tires on most commercial vehicles on Florida highways, according to Today’s Trucking. The state bill, S912, “prohibits the use of recapped or re-treaded tires on truck tractors, pole trailers, or semi-trailers operated on public roads, streets, or highways of this state.” If approved, the ban would take effect Jul. 1, 2007, according to Harvey Brodsky, managing director of TRIB. Brodsky acknowledged some concerns legislators and citizens may have over the large amount of tire debris found on Florida highways, Today’s Trucking reports. Much of the tire debris on highways comes from tires that have never been retreaded, but rather that are underinflated, overloaded, mismatched on dual wheel positions, or misaligned. Brodsky also pointed out that many other states are moving in the opposite direction by encouraging retreads. A federal executive order (13149) mandates the use of retread tires on most federal fleet vehicles and, he added, California just awarded a $75,000 grant to TRIB to promote the use of re-treaded tires on public sector vehicles throughout that state.