We hope you’re all enjoying the sunshine. Here are the latest updates from the TyreSafe team.
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at this year’s Briefing (details below), and thank you, again, for your continued support.
Briefing Now Fast Approaching: 2025 TyreSafe Briefing Agenda Now Live – Free to Attend
The countdown is on for the 2025 TyreSafe Briefing, taking place on June 10th at the National Motorcycle Museum. The full agenda is now live and free registration is open at www.tyresafe.org.
This flagship event will unite road safety professionals, enforcement bodies, and tyre sector leaders to explore the latest insights, trends, and campaigns in tyre safety. Agenda topics range from national enforcement priorities and behavioural research to digital communications and community engagement.
Places are expected to fill fast—register now to secure your place and be part of one of the most significant tyre safety events of the year.
Record MOT Tyre Failures Spark Urgent Calls for Stricter Laws
New DVSA data reveals a record-breaking 2.15 million vehicles failed their MOT due to tyre defects in 2023–24—a 17% increase since 2019–20. Alarmingly, more than 750,000 of these vehicles had previously received tyre-related advisories, indicating widespread neglect.
In response, TyreSafe is supporting the NPCC, PACTS, RoSPA, and Verifleet who are calling for legislative reform that would mandate follow-up action on tyre advisories.
“Defective tyres can turn even a law-abiding driver into a killer,” said NPCC Commander Kyle Gordon. Richard Stowe of Verifleet added, “We follow up health warnings from our GPs—so why not life-threatening tyre defects?”
With over 139,000 road injuries and 1,695 deaths reported in 2023, latest data serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for not only all drivers to prioritise regular tyre checks and act immediately on any warnings received, but also for consistent compliance with the legal standards regarding tyre condition.
TyreSafe Joins UK Towing Safety Alliance to Champion Tyre Safety
TyreSafe is proud to announce its role as a founding member of the newly formed UK Towing Safety Alliance, a national coalition convened by PACTS to tackle the rise in towing-related incidents on UK roads.
As part of the new TLC – Tyres, Load, Connectivity campaign, TyreSafe will focus on the critical role tyres play in safe towing. DVSA data revealed that 84% of running gear defects in non-caravan trailers are related to tyres, while National Highways recorded a 9% increase in tyre-related trailer breakdowns in 2024.
TyreSafe will support the TLC campaign with new educational materials, social campaigns, and pre-journey checklists—making it easy for drivers to ensure their tyres are safe before towing.
TyreSafe and Diabetes Safety Organisation Launch ‘Tread Safely’ Campaign
TyreSafe has partnered with the Diabetes Safety Organisation (DSO) to launch the ‘Tread Safely’ campaign, raising awareness of the road safety risks linked to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)—a common complication of diabetes that can impair pedal control and reaction times.
The campaign highlights how these risks are amplified by poor tyre maintenance, and aims to educate drivers and employers on the importance of checking tyre air pressure, condition, and tread.
With support from both organisations, the campaign will deliver educational materials and guidance to promote safer driving among people with diabetes, particularly those driving for work.
TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt said the partnership tackles a “critical and often ignored safety risk,” while DSO CEO Kate Walker called it “a pivotal step toward preventing avoidable incidents and saving lives.”
The collaboration will continue beyond the campaign launch, with both organisations working together to develop tailored resources and support for employers and road users.
Supporting NPCC’s Two-Wheel Safety Operation and Young Riders
TyreSafe continues to champion two-wheeler safety by supporting the NPCC’s national two-wheel operation, launched in response to the high number of motorcycle collisions. A full suite of powered two-wheeler assets is now available for free in the Resources area at www.tyresafe.org.
TyreSafe is also working closely with the National Young Riders Forum to ensure new riders are equipped with the tyre maintenance knowledge and tools they need. These initiatives reinforce TyreSafe’s commitment to reaching vulnerable road user groups with clear, practical guidance.
Kent County Council Joins Forces with TyreSafe
TyreSafe welcomes Kent County Council as its latest local authority supporter. By deploying TyreSafe’s campaigns and materials, Kent will work to raise public awareness around tyre safety and reduce tyre-related incidents across the county.
“This partnership enables us to give residents practical, actionable advice on tyre maintenance,” said Simon Jones, Corporate Director at KCC. Stuart Lovatt added, “Kent’s commitment perfectly aligns with TyreSafe’s mission to promote safer roads through education.”
TyreSafe and RSTA Partner to Advance Safe System Approach to Road Safety
TyreSafe and the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) have joined forces in a strategic partnership to strengthen the Safe System approach to road safety, recognising the interconnected roles of driver behaviour, vehicle condition, and road infrastructure.
The collaboration aligns TyreSafe’s focus on Safer Vehicles, especially tyre condition, with RSTA’s expertise in Safer Roads, using high-friction and high-Polished Stone Value (PSV) surface treatments to enhance grip and reduce braking distances—particularly in high-risk areas like junctions and crossings.
RSTA Chief Executive Mike Hansford stressed the life-saving impact of proper road surface design, while TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt emphasised that “good tyres need good roads to perform properly.”
The two organisations will jointly develop technical guidance, training, and a new engineering-focused web section to help local authorities and engineers make informed decisions about road surface treatments and tyre safety. This partnership underlines a shared responsibility between infrastructure professionals and vehicle users to create safer roads for everyone.
NTTA Launches Groundbreaking Trailer Hire Insurance Scheme
The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) has unveiled the UK’s first trailer hire insurance scheme, built with tyre safety at its core. The policy includes mandatory tyre checks and cover, raising the bar for safe towing standards.
“This is a significant step forward for the industry,” said TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt. “By embedding tyre safety into insurance, we’re creating a safer environment for everyone on the road.” TyreSafe will support the scheme with a suite of towing-specific educational resources launching soon.
If you’re not already a member, we encourage you to consider joining TyreSafe. Your membership helps us drive forward our campaigns and initiatives to make our roads safer. Visit our website to learn more about becoming a member and supporting our mission.
