‘Smooth’ tyres can prove hazardous

How would you describe the condition of the tyres on this Estcourt police vehicle in the photograph?
A resident who sent the photo in said they were “smooth” and could be hazardous. Both the police spokesperson and municipal traffic department said that the state of the tyres could not be described and an actual inspection would only reveal the true condition of the tyres.
Captain JS Sokhela said that the tyres would not be replaced if they were still in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) requirements.
“Police vehicles are inspected every Wednesday. The state of our vehicles is good and that is why none of them are suspended,” he commented.
Municipal Manager Nonhlanhla Njoko explained that according to the Act the tyre thread depth must be at least 1mm over the entire circumference of the tyre, unless there is a thread depth indicator on the tyre, which allows for a thread depth of 1.6mm. “If the thread does not conform to specification upon inspection, an admission of guilt can be issued under the NRTA 93/96. If tyres are below the required depth of thread, there is a possibility of danger during wet weather,” added Ms Njoko.