TyreSafe is urging a renewed focus on driver behaviour after new research highlighted a concerning “safety gap” in how motorists approach vehicle maintenance.
Data released by Uswitch reveals that while enforcement influences behaviour, it may not be enough to ensure consistent safety standards on UK roads.
The research found that 33% of motorists carry out vehicle checks specifically to avoid penalty points, suggesting that enforcement plays a role in prompting action. However, TyreSafe warns this also highlights a potential ceiling for enforcement-led behaviour change.
If only a third of drivers are motivated by the risk of penalties, stakeholders must ensure the remaining majority are checking their vehicles for the right reason — safety.
A “Safety Gap” in Driver Behaviour
In 2025 alone, more than 4.8 million penalty points were issued for driving offences, with 78% linked to speeding. Despite this high level of enforcement:
Only 51% of drivers believe penalty points improve road safety
82% of drivers with existing points say they changed behaviour after receiving them
Yet just one third proactively check their vehicle to avoid penalties
For TyreSafe, this presents a clear challenge. Rather than assuming the remaining drivers are neglecting maintenance altogether, the data suggests a gap between awareness and action — where vehicle checks are not yet embedded as a consistent, routine safety behaviour.
The Hidden Risk – Tyres as a “Silent Danger”
While offences such as speeding are highly visible and widely enforced, tyre defects often go unnoticed — until it is too late.
Tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, directly influencing braking, grip and control. Yet evidence shows that tyre safety remains a significant and often underestimated risk:
Over 6 million tyres on UK roads are estimated to be illegal each year
(Source: TyreSafe Tread Depth Survey 2023)
Over 17% of tyres are already illegal at the point of replacement, with a further 40% borderline
(Source: TyreSafe / National Highways survey)
More than 2.1 million MOT failures occur annually due to tyre defects, with around 1 million classified as dangerous
(Source: DVSA)
Tyre defects are responsible for one of the highest rates of MOT advisories deemed dangerous (almost 60%)
(Source: Auto Express, 2025)
8,945 drivers received penalty points for defective tyres in 2024, a 44% increase year-on-year
(Source: RAC FOI to DVLA)
Despite these figures, tyre-related issues often lack the visibility of other offences, making them a “silent risk” on the road network.
Enforcement Alone Is Not Enough
The Uswitch data reinforces that while enforcement can change behaviour — particularly after drivers are penalised — it is not sufficient on its own to drive widespread, preventative action.
TyreSafe believes that relying on fear of fines risks creating reactive behaviour, rather than the proactive, routine checks needed to reduce incidents.
Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe, said, “Enforcement clearly has a role to play in improving driver behaviour, but it cannot be the only motivator.
What this data highlights is a safety gap. If only a third of drivers are checking their vehicles to avoid penalty points, we need to ensure everyone is checking them for the right reason — to stay safe.
Tyres are a hidden risk. Unlike speeding, they’re not always visible and often go unchecked until something goes wrong. But when tyres fail — whether through low tread, incorrect pressure or damage — the consequences can be immediate and severe.
The reality is that many tyre-related incidents are entirely preventable. A few simple checks, carried out regularly, can make a life-saving difference.
We need to move beyond a culture of compliance driven by enforcement, and towards one where tyre safety is seen as a fundamental part of responsible driving.”
A Call to Action
TyreSafe is urging all road users to adopt the simple ACT message:
A – Air pressure: Check regularly and adjust to manufacturer recommendations
C – Condition: Inspect for cuts, bulges or damage
T – Tread: Ensure tyres are above the legal minimum of 1.6mm (ideally 3mm for wet grip)
With millions of vehicles still operating with underinflated or illegal tyres, TyreSafe emphasises that changing driver mindset — not just enforcing penalties — is key to reducing preventable incidents on UK roads.
