City of Wolverhampton Council is working with UK road safety charity TyreSafe, reinforcing its commitment to improving vehicle safety, protecting road users and supporting responsible driving across the city.
The collaboration will help increase awareness of the vital role tyres play in road safety, with a particular focus on tread depth, tyre condition and regular vehicle checks. It will also support education, enforcement and engagement activity aimed at both licensed vehicle proprietors and the wider driving community.
TyreSafe’s tyre tread depth checker cards will be distributed to drivers, enabling them to carry out simple, regular checks on their vehicles. City of Wolverhampton Council will also share TyreSafe’s latest tyre safety research and guidance.
Tyre condition is a critical factor in braking performance and vehicle control, particularly in wet weather. Research shows that at 70mph, worn tyres can add 27 metres — or 28% — to stopping distance, while at 50mph, tyres worn to the legal minimum take significantly longer to stop compared with tyres with greater tread depth. These differences can be decisive in avoiding collisions.
Alongside education and awareness, the joined-up work will support targeted compliance activity, reinforcing the importance of legal and well-maintained tyres as part of wider road safety and licensing responsibilities.
Councillor Qaiser Azeem, Cabinet Member for Resident Services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Public safety is of paramount importance to us.
“We take our licensing responsibilities seriously and we expect drivers and vehicles licensed by us to always maintain the highest standard. Our officers work proactively across the country, wherever our drivers work, carrying out regular compliance operations with partners to protect the public and ensure they travel in safety, including using our laser readers to ensure all vehicles have at least 1.6mm of tyre tread.
“Tyres are fundamental to braking, steering and overall vehicle safety. By working with TyreSafe, we are giving drivers practical tools, clear information and strong evidence to help them take responsibility for tyre safety and reduce risk on our roads.”
TyreSafe works with local authorities, police forces and industry partners across the UK to promote tyre safety through evidence-led campaigns, education and community engagement.
“Local authorities play a crucial role in turning tyre safety messages into real-world action,” said Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair, “Wolverhampton Council’s commitment to education, compliance and working collaboratively sets a strong example. Together, we will help drivers understand how simple checks — on air pressure, condition and tread — can make a meaningful difference to safety.”
This work will also contribute to broader regional road safety collaboration and knowledge sharing, helping to inform best practice and future activity.
For more information on tyre safety advice and resources, visit www.tyresafe.org
