TyreSafe has announced a new partnership with the Road Haulage Association (RHA), marking a significant step forward in improving tyre safety standards across the UK’s commercial vehicle sector.
The collaboration will bring together TyreSafe’s expertise in tyre safety education with the RHA’s extensive network of over 8,500 member companies, representing more than 250,000 commercial vehicles operating across the UK.
The partnership aims to address ongoing challenges in tyre maintenance across the haulage sector—particularly among small and regional operators—while reinforcing the importance of compliance, safety and efficiency for fleet operators, drivers and the wider supply chain. In addition, the RHA represents coach and van drivers and fleet operators, who will also benefit from targeted and vehicle specific tyre maintenance advice and guidance.
Bridging the Gap in Fleet Tyre Safety
Recent engagement activity led by TyreSafe at key motorway service areas, including Lymm and Exeter, highlighted a clear divide within the sector. While larger national fleets are generally maintaining strong tyre standards, smaller operators continue to face challenges around tyre condition and maintenance practices.
Through this partnership, TyreSafe and the RHA will work together to:
- Raise awareness of tyre safety responsibilities across fleets
- Support operators in meeting legal and duty of care obligations
- Promote best practice in tyre maintenance and inspection
- Engage directly with drivers, fleet managers and workshop teams
Supporting Compliance and Duty of Care
Tyre safety is a critical component of fleet compliance and operational safety. Under UK legislation, operators have a clear duty of care to ensure vehicles are roadworthy and safe.
Poor tyre maintenance can lead to:
- Increased risk of incidents and roadside breakdowns
- Legal penalties, including fines of up to £20,000 for serious offences
- Unsafe working conditions for drivers and roadside technicians
- Higher fuel consumption and unnecessary operational costs
Drivers themselves also face enforcement action, with roadside penalties of up to £200 per offence for illegal tyres, alongside penalty points.
By working together, TyreSafe and the RHA aim to ensure that tyre safety is recognised not just as a compliance issue, but as a fundamental part of running a safe, efficient and responsible fleet operation.
Tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, making them essential for:
- Safe braking and handling
- Load stability and control
- Fuel efficiency and emissions performance
For fleet operators, effective tyre management delivers clear benefits:
- Reduced risk of blowouts and incidents
- Improved fuel economy and lower CO₂ emissions
- Reduced downtime and maintenance costs
- Greater compliance with legal requirements
A Shared Commitment to Industry Improvement
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “We’re delighted to welcome the Road Haulage Association as an official TyreSafe supporter. This partnership is about engaging with the haulage sector – from fleet operators to professional HGV, coach and van drivers.
Heavy goods vehicles keep our economy moving, but they also operate in demanding conditions where tyre safety is essential. While many larger fleets are leading the way, we know there is more to be done to support smaller and regional operators with key information about tyre safety management.
By working together with the RHA, we can bridge that gap—empowering operators, drivers and technicians with the knowledge they need to keep vehicles safe, compliant and efficient.”
Geraint Davies, UK Director of Partnerships at the Road Haulage Association, added, “We’re pleased to be joining TyreSafe as a supporter and to strengthen our focus on tyre safety across the sector.
Our members operate in a highly regulated environment where safety, compliance and efficiency are paramount. Tyres play a critical role in all three.
This partnership will help us provide practical guidance and support to operators of all sizes, ensuring they can meet their responsibilities while protecting their drivers, their businesses and other road users.”
Looking Ahead
As part of the partnership, TyreSafe and the RHA will collaborate on communications, industry engagement and educational initiatives aimed at improving tyre safety standards across the commercial vehicle sector.
By combining industry insight with practical guidance, the partnership will support operators at every level—from owner-drivers to major fleets—ensuring that tyre safety remains a priority across the UK’s road transport network.
