October is here, and with it comes the launch of Tyre Safety Month 2026. It has been another busy period for TyreSafe, with new partnerships, enforcement activity and the development of resources to help make our roads safer.
This month, we’re delighted to welcome several new partners, including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Staffordshire Police, West Yorkshire Police and Knowsley Council.
We’re also preparing to launch this year’s Tyre Safety Month campaign, Act Before You REact, and are pleased to announce that registration is now open for our 2027 Briefing, Awards and Gala Dinner.
Here’s the latest news and what’s coming up.
IN THIS ISSUE
New partnership with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
Staffordshire Police joins TyreSafe
West Yorkshire Police becomes latest road safety partner
TyreSafe partners with Knowsley Council
New taxi and private hire tyre safety resources
Tyre Safety Month 2026 launches on 1 October
Registration now open for the 2027 Briefing, Awards and Gala Dinner
New Partnerships
TyreSafe Partners with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
TyreSafe is delighted to announce a new partnership with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, strengthening collaboration to prevent road casualties and improve tyre safety across the county.
The partnership will bring together TyreSafe’s specialist knowledge and the fire and rescue service’s frontline experience to raise awareness of the risks associated with illegal and poorly maintained tyres.
With 791 people killed or seriously injured on South Yorkshire’s roads in 2024, the partnership will support the region’s wider Vision Zero ambitions through education, community engagement and practical tyre safety advice.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said:
“Fire and rescue services see the consequences of serious road collisions first-hand. Their experience gives them a unique perspective on the importance of prevention, and that makes South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue an incredibly valuable partner for TyreSafe.”
Robert Horne, Prevention & Intervention Officer for Barnsley, added that the partnership would help reinforce the importance of routine tyre checks and provide road users with practical information to keep their vehicles safe.
Staffordshire Police Joins TyreSafe as Latest Road Safety Partner
TyreSafe is pleased to welcome Staffordshire Police as a new partner, strengthening efforts to improve road safety and reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on the county’s roads.
The partnership follows a multi-agency enforcement operation at the DVSA Vehicle Inspection Site in Doxey on 25 August.
Operation Doxey brought together Staffordshire Police, West Mercia Police, DVSA, Datatag, the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit and TyreSafe to inspect leisure vehicles, commercial vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.
Of the 30 vehicles inspected, seven tyre and wheel-related defects were identified. These included a tyre with a cut through to the cord, resulting in an immediate prohibition notice, a tyre operating around 30% below its recommended pressure and a tyre that was 11 years old.
The findings highlighted the importance of regular vehicle checks and the need to look beyond visible tread wear when assessing tyre safety.
Police Sergeant Adam Van de Sande, of Staffordshire’s Road Crime – Proactive & Harm Reduction Team, said:
“Keeping people safe on Staffordshire’s roads requires everyone to play their part. We are committed to working with partners to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our road network.”
The new partnership will help promote practical tyre safety advice and encourage motorists to make regular checks part of their vehicle maintenance routine.
West Yorkshire Police Becomes Latest TyreSafe Partner
TyreSafe has welcomed West Yorkshire Police as its latest road safety partner, supporting the county’s ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on its roads through Vision Zero.
In 2025, 51 people lost their lives and a further 1,210 suffered serious injuries on West Yorkshire’s roads.
The partnership will focus on raising awareness of tyre safety and encouraging motorists to carry out regular checks of tyre pressure, tread depth and condition.
Inspector Claire Gray, of West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Support and Proactive Intercept Team, said:
“Every death and serious injury on our roads has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities. We are committed to working with partners to make West Yorkshire’s roads safer and to support the Vision Zero ambition.”
The partnership further strengthens TyreSafe’s growing network of police force supporters and reinforces the importance of collaboration in preventing road casualties.
TyreSafe Partners with Knowsley Council
TyreSafe has partnered with Knowsley Council to help improve tyre safety across the borough, supporting its wider Vision Zero strategy.
Over the five-year period ending in 2025, 945 police-recorded road collisions in Knowsley resulted in 262 people being killed or seriously injured.
The partnership will see TyreSafe and the council work together on road safety campaigns, education and community engagement, providing motorists with practical information on maintaining safe and legal tyres.
Councillor Tony Brennan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said:
“Keeping people safe on our roads requires everyone to play their part, and our Vision Zero approach is focused on reducing the risk of people being killed or seriously injured.”
The collaboration will complement the council’s existing road safety activity and help make tyre checks a routine part of vehicle maintenance.
Campaigns and Resources
New Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Resources Launched
TyreSafe has launched a new suite of free tyre safety resources for the taxi and private hire vehicle sector, following a series of enforcement cases involving licensed vehicles operating with illegal or dangerously worn tyres.
Recent cases in Liverpool, Bristol and Knowsley have highlighted the risks posed by poorly maintained tyres, including examples of exposed reinforcing cords and tyres worn almost completely smooth.
The new resources are designed to help professional drivers, operators, fleet managers and licensing authorities understand their responsibilities and identify potential tyre problems before they become a safety risk.
The resources cover:
The ACT tyre safety check: Air Pressure, Condition and Tread.
Daily tyre inspections.
Legal tread depth requirements.
Identifying damage and defects.
Correct tyre pressures.
Safe purchasing advice for part-worn tyres.
The resources have been developed with the support of the NHPTA, with whom TyreSafe are continuing to work closely to provide guidance for drivers. TyreSafe is also working with Liverpool City Council Licensing to distribute printed guides and educational posters directly to licensed drivers.
With taxi and private hire vehicles often covering significantly higher mileages than private cars, regular tyre inspections are essential.
Campaign Spotlight
Tyre Safety Month 2026 Launched on 1 October
TyreSafe’s flagship annual campaign has returned with a powerful new message: Act Before You REact.
Running throughout October, this year’s campaign challenges drivers to think differently about road safety, highlighting the gap between confidence behind the wheel and the simple preventative actions that can help keep them safe.
New national research reveals that 83% of drivers believe they are in full control of their stopping distance, yet only 6% correctly identify the stopping distance required in wet weather at motorway speeds.
The research also found that 38% of drivers experienced a near-miss in the last 12 months, but only 11% checked their tyres afterwards.
The campaign will explore these findings across four themed weeks:
Week 1: The Great British Brake Myth
Challenging drivers’ understanding of stopping distances and highlighting the importance of tyre condition, particularly in wet weather.
Week 2: The Confidence Gap
Exploring the difference between driver confidence and vehicle preparedness, encouraging motorists not to overlook routine tyre checks.
Week 3: The Near-Miss Nation
Highlighting how common near-misses are and encouraging drivers to turn these experiences into opportunities to improve their vehicle safety.
Week 4: From Reaction to Action
Encouraging drivers to take preventative action rather than simply reacting after a near-miss.
At the heart of the campaign is TyreSafe’s ACT message:
A – Air Pressure: Check tyre pressures at least once a month and before long journeys.
C – Condition: Look for cuts, cracks, bulges and embedded objects.
T – Tread: Ensure tyres meet the legal tread depth requirements and have sufficient tread for safe driving.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said:
“Tyre Safety Month is more than an awareness campaign. It is a national call for behaviour change. Near-misses, sudden braking and poor weather are part of everyday travel—but unsafe tyres do not have to be.
“This October, let’s help road users move from reaction to prevention. Because when the moment comes, it is already too late to prepare.”
TyreSafe is encouraging all its partners and supporters to get involved by sharing campaign materials, engaging with their communities and promoting regular tyre checks throughout October.
Get involved: Share the campaign using #TyreSafetyMonth, #ActBeforeYouREact, #ACTonTyres and #TyreSafety.
Save the Date
Registration is Now Open for the 2027 TyreSafe
Briefing, Awards & Gala Dinner
Tuesday 15 June 2027 | The Belfry | Black Tie
Join us at The Belfry on Tuesday 15 June 2027 for the TyreSafe Annual Briefing, Awards and Gala Dinner.
The event brings together representatives from across the tyre, road safety and transport sectors to share insights, celebrate achievements and recognise those making a difference to tyre safety.
The evening’s black-tie Gala Dinner will include:
A sparkling drinks reception.
A three-course dinner with wine.
The 2027 TyreSafe Awards Ceremony.
Networking with colleagues from across the industry.
Gala Dinner tickets:
Industry ticket: £95 + VAT per person.
Road Safety Community ticket: £75 + VAT per person.
A reduced accommodation rate has also been negotiated at The Belfry, with rooms available at £135 + VAT per person, including breakfast.
Whether you are attending to share knowledge, celebrate achievements or connect with colleagues, we look forward to welcoming you.
Registration is now open. Secure your place today.
The latest partnerships and campaigns demonstrate the importance of collaboration in improving tyre safety and preventing road casualties.
As we prepare for Tyre Safety Month, we would like to thank all our supporters, partners and members for their continued commitment and encourage everyone to help spread the message.
Don’t wait for a near miss to remind you. Act before you REact.
For the latest news, resources and campaign updates, visit www.tyresafe.org.
The TyreSafe Team
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.
