TyreSafe Newsletter – January 2026

Dear Supporter,

Welcome to the January TyreSafe update. This edition marks a pivotal moment for road safety, with major national policy recognition, new partnerships, and the opening of the TyreSafe Awards as we begin our 20th anniversary year.

A Landmark Moment for Tyre Safety in the UK

TyreSafe Welcomes “Landmark” National Road Safety Strategy

TyreSafe has today welcomed the publication of the Government’s new National Road Safety Strategy (January 2026), describing it as a hugely significant moment after more than 15 years without a national framework.

The strategy marks a decisive shift towards a Safe System approach, recognising that road safety is a shared responsibility across enforcement, education and engineering to reduce preventable harm.

First-ever official recognition for TyreSafe

In a historic first, TyreSafe is explicitly named within the national strategy, with government confirming it will pilot a National Work-Related Road Safety Charter for businesses, directly informed by TyreSafe’s expertise alongside National Highways, the DVSA and other key partners.

“Today’s announcement signals a welcome return to evidence-based policymaking. We are particularly encouraged to see tyre safety integrated into the national agenda. While we look forward to supporting the development of the Work-Related Road Safety Charter over its two-year pilot, this is just the beginning.” — Stuart Lovatt, Chair, TyreSafe

A critical safety gap that must be addressed

TyreSafe highlights that over the last five years an average of 153 people have been killed or seriously injured each year in incidents involving defective tyres — rising to 172 KSIs in 2024, well above the long-term average.

Further data underlines ongoing complacency:

• 2.1 million MOT failures were attributed to tyre defects in 2023–24
• 36% of those vehicles had already received tyre-related advisories at their previous MOT
• One in five motorway breakdowns continues to be tyre-related

“If we are serious about protecting the public, well-maintained vehicles must be recognised as fundamental to a safe system, not a peripheral consideration.” — Stuart Lovatt.

TyreSafe will continue working with government, devolved administrations and local authorities to ensure tyre safety plays a central role in reducing avoidable harm.

TyreSafe Awards 2026 – Entries Now Open

Celebrating 20 years of TyreSafe

Entries are now open for the TyreSafe Awards 2026, recognising excellence, innovation and leadership across tyre safety and road safety.

Award categories include:

• Compliance & Enforcement
• Innovation & Technology
• Online & Social Media
• Communications
• Tyre Safety in the Community
• Road Safety Individual
• Road Safety Organisation
• Road Safety Partnership
• Tyre Manufacturer
• Tyre Retailer (5 sites or fewer)
• Tyre Retailer (6 sites or more)
• Outstanding Achievement
• Special Recognition

All entries are submitted online, with clear guidance provided for each category. Organisations and individuals may enter multiple categories.

Awards presentation – save the date

Winners will be announced at the TyreSafe Briefing and Gala Dinner on 10 June 2026 at The Belfry.

This flagship event will bring together leaders from enforcement, industry, government and road safety as part of TyreSafe’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to:

• Register to attend the TyreSafe Briefing (daytime)
• Book your place at the Gala Dinner (evening)
• Or attend both for the full TyreSafe experience

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organisations seeking high-profile alignment with the UK’s leading tyre safety charity.

National Pothole Day – The Hidden Cost to Tyres and Safety

New data released on National Pothole Day (15 January) shows pothole damage now costs UK drivers an estimated £589 million a year, rising year-on-year.

The AA attended 613,638 pothole-related breakdowns in 2025 — around 1,681 every day — involving tyres, wheels, steering and suspension.

TyreSafe warns that many pothole impacts cause hidden tyre damage, leading to premature failures, MOT defects and increased collision risk.

Drivers are reminded to follow TyreSafe’s ACT message:

• Air pressure
• Condition
• Tread

“Potholes are no longer just a frustration — they are a growing financial and road safety problem.” — Stuart Lovatt.

TyreSafe Welcomes its 250th Supporter – The Metropolitan Police

TyreSafe has announced a major milestone, welcoming the Metropolitan Police as its 250th supporter.

As the UK’s largest police force, the partnership strengthens TyreSafe’s work with enforcement partners, providing officers with evidence-led resources and supporting frontline engagement with drivers, riders and fleet operators.

“This partnership reflects the growing recognition that tyre safety is a critical component of roads policing.” — Stuart Lovatt.

New Charity Partnerships Strengthen UK-wide Reach

Road Safe Northern Ireland Joins TyreSafe

Road Safe NI has partnered with TyreSafe to embed nationally recognised tyre safety guidance into community education and outreach across Northern Ireland, supporting 1.2 million licence holders.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service joins TyreSafe Network

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has also joined TyreSafe’s supporter network, strengthening prevention and community engagement work across the region.

“Our crews see first-hand the consequences of unsafe vehicles. By partnering with TyreSafe, we can help communities take proactive steps that prevent harm.” — Annabelle Priest, Road Safety Lead, DSFRS.

Community Engagement Events

Your chance to get involved and show your commitment to tyre safety in your local community:

Monday 9th Feb

Organised by: Sussex Police Roads Policing & Commercial Vehicle Unit

When: Monday 9th February 2026

Where: Moto Pease Pottage Services, Junction 11 of the M23 motorway near Crawley

Description: A tyre safety education and awareness event aimed at car, van and HGV drivers.

Support required: Onsite vehicle safety checks and advice (pressure checks and inflation if possible – not essential)

Contact: PC Barry Freeman, Bexhill Police Station, M: 07701 015292 E: barry.freeman@sussex.police.uk

Tues 10th February – Sandwell College

Organised by: Sandwell MBC

When: Tuesday 10th February 2026

Where: Sandwell College, 1 Spon Lane, West Bromwich, B70 6AW

Description: To promote both young driver and passenger safety in our borough, Sandwell’s Road Safety Team are running their annual campaign at Sandwell College in February next year – ‘For the One I Love’.

Support required: Host a stall (TyreSafe can provide materials), and/or run a practical activity to demonstrate common faults. Possibly a quiz via a QR code to engage students.

Contact: Louise Bodlovic, Road Safety Education Officer (Sandwell South) E: Louise_Bodlovic@sandwell.gov.uk T: 07551 250410

Thursday 12th February, Bradford

What: Road Safety Event

Organised by: Bradford City Council

When: Thursday 12th February 2026 (10:00-15:00)

Where: South Hawksworth Street Car Park,  Ilkley, LS29 9DX

Description: Public road safety event which focuses on car seat and tyre checks.

Support required: Tyre industry support for tyre checking

Contact: Sally Teasdale, Road Safety Officer M.07773 124045  E: Sally.Teasdale@bradford.gov.uk

Friday 6th March 2026, Bradford

What: Road Safety Event

Organised by: Bradford City Council

When: Friday 6th March (10:00-15:00)

Where: The Rockwell Community Centre, 6 Summerfield Rd, Bradford BD10 8DP

Description: Public road safety event which focuses on car seat and tyre checks.

Support required: Tyre industry support for tyre checking

Contact: Sally Teasdale, Road Safety Officer M.07773 124045  E: Sally.Teasdale@bradford.gov.uk

Saturday 9th May 2026, North Wales

What: Road Safety Open Day

Organised by: North Wales Police

Where: Force HQ site in Colwyn Bay

Description:“The intention is to have various organisations and emergency services at the event all focusing on road safety, from pedestrians, cyclist, horse riders, bikers to tractors and HGV’s.”

Support required: Stand/gazebo with some illegal tyres from cars and bikes etc and some information and maybe merchandise (tyre gauges etc.)

Contact: Jason Diamond, Operational Support services, M: 07896171029 or E: Jason.Diamond@northwales.police.uk

Looking Ahead

As TyreSafe approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, our growing network of supporters across enforcement, industry, charities and government reinforces a simple truth:

Tyre safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Thank you for your continued support — and we look forward to seeing many of you at the TyreSafe Briefing and Gala Dinner in June.

How You Can Support TyreSafe

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.

Stay safe,

Emma and the team.