TyreSafe Newsletter – February 2026

Dear supporter,

As we move further into 2026, we’re delighted to share a series of significant updates from TyreSafe — including new speaker announcements for our 20th Anniversary Annual Briefing, new partnerships, sector research findings and important event reminders.

TyreSafe Annual Briefing – 10 June 2026

Our Annual Briefing is the flagship event for the tyre and road safety community — and this year marks 20 years of collaboration, campaigning and change.

Attendance is free, but registration is essential.

Join us for a full day of:

• High-profile speakers from government, enforcement and industry

• Exclusive research insights and campaign previews

• Networking with senior stakeholders from across the tyre, road safety and transport sectors

New for Our 20th Year – Vehicle Retailer & Manufacturer Award Returns

As TyreSafe celebrates its 20th year, we are delighted to announce the reintroduction of a dedicated awards category for vehicle retailers and manufacturers — becoming the 14th category in this landmark year. This refreshed category recognises those businesses that place tyre safety at the heart of the customer journey, from showroom to aftersales and beyond. We’re inviting retailers and manufacturers to showcase how they champion tyre safety through staff training, customer education initiatives, digital engagement, vehicle handover processes, safety campaigns, and innovative partnerships.

Newly Announced Speakers

We are delighted to announce that Rebecca Dart, Transport, Criminal and Regulatory Solicitor at DAC Beachcroft, will be presenting at this year’s event.

Rebecca qualified as a solicitor in 2007 in crime and mental health, undertaking her mental health accreditation and police station qualification whilst a trainee. In 2020, she moved into transport law, representing Operators and Transport Managers at Public Inquiries and Preliminary Hearings with considerable success. She also undertakes driver conduct hearings.

In 2021, Rebecca passed the HGV Transport Manager Certificate of Professional Competence, which she refreshes every three years. She prosecutes cases on behalf of the DVSA and has represented drivers and operators at DVSA and Police interviews and throughout the criminal courts. Rebecca continues to practice in this area and provides advice on DVSA and Office of the Traffic Commissioner correspondence.

We are also pleased to confirm that John McNeill FCIHT will be joining this year’s programme.

John is Investigation Lead within the Regulatory and Information Team in Legal Services at National Highways. After 30 years with the Metropolitan Police Service — including 22 years in roads policing — John held roles in the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, Special Operations Room and Police Collision Investigation Unit. He was authorised to issue prohibition notices on un-roadworthy vehicles.

Following his policing career, John worked for a highways maintenance contractor for TfL and later for the Highways Agency on the M25. He joined Highways England in 2020 and took on his current role in 2024.

Their expertise will bring valuable legal, enforcement and operational insight to this year’s discussions.

Previously Confirmed Speakers

• Ian Andrew, CEO, National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA)

• Darren Lindsey, Chief Executive, British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA)

• Professor Fiona Fylan, Leeds Beckett University

Together, they will contribute to a comprehensive programme of insight, discussion and collaboration across the sector.

Critical Safety Gaps Identified in Commercial Fleets

Recent roadside data collected by TyreSafe and partners has revealed concerning compliance and knowledge gaps within parts of the commercial fleet sector.

Key findings include:

• Only 11% of surveyed drivers use in-cab TPMS monitoring

• 21% rely solely on visual checks

• 38% were unaware of their fleet’s tyre fitment policy

• 38% did not know the UK’s 1mm legal minimum tread depth for HGV tyres

We continue to urge operators to move beyond minimum compliance and adopt a proactive, safety-first approach supported by training and monitoring technology.

Headline Sponsor Announced: TreadTracker

We are delighted to confirm that TreadTracker has become an official Commercial Partner and Headline Sponsor of our 20th Anniversary Annual Briefing.

TreadTracker’s all-in-one fleet compliance platform enables instant defect reporting, data visibility, ESG reporting support, inspection planning and automated reporting — helping fleets strengthen safety oversight while reducing administrative burden.

We look forward to working closely with TreadTracker in the lead-up to the event and beyond.

Transport for West Midlands Becomes an Official Supporter

We’re pleased to welcome Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, as an official supporter of TyreSafe.

Serving nearly three million residents, TfWM oversees 643km of key roads carrying 50% of the region’s traffic. The partnership will embed TyreSafe’s ACT message — Air pressure, Condition and Tread — into regional road safety communications and engagement.

New Commercial Supporter – Autogem Invicta

We are also delighted to welcome Autogem Invicta as a Commercial Supporter.

With a heritage dating back to the 1960s, Autogem supports over 4,500 workshops through its comprehensive TPMS programme, covering more than 99% of vehicles fitted with Direct TPMS in Europe. This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to proactive maintenance, technical excellence and industry education.

International Partnership – TyreSafe & BRAKE Australia

TyreSafe has announced a new international partnership with BRAKE Australia to strengthen road safety education for novice drivers.

By combining BRAKE’s curriculum-led education programme with TyreSafe’s tyre safety expertise, the collaboration aims to reinforce safe driving behaviours and improve understanding of braking performance, grip and vehicle control among new drivers.

Partnership with Disabled Motoring UK

TyreSafe has partnered with Disabled Motoring UK to promote tyre safety for disabled motorists and passengers.

With millions relying on private transport for independence, this partnership highlights the importance of routine tyre checks in ensuring safe, reliable and accessible journeys.

TyreSafe Awards 2026 – Entries Now Open

The TyreSafe Awards recognise excellence and innovation across tyre and road safety.

Entry deadline: midnight, 30 April 2026.

We encourage organisations, partnerships and individuals to submit an entry and help us celebrate the work making a real difference on UK roads.

TyreSafe Awards & Gala Dinner – 10 June 2026 (Evening)

Following the Annual Briefing, join us for our prestigious black-tie Gala Dinner, including:

• Sparkling drinks reception

• Three-course dinner with wine

• The 2026 TyreSafe Awards Ceremony

• Networking with colleagues from across the sector

Gala Dinner Ticket: £95 + VAT

Road Safety Community Ticket: £75 + VAT

Reduced accommodation rate available at The Belfry (£135 + VAT per person, including breakfast). Limited availability — early booking recommended.

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.