Tyresafe question Government's inaccurate comments

After the secretary of state for transport, Philip Hammond MP claimed that winter tyres have little to no benefit for UK road users, Tyresafe have questioned the Government’s stance on winter tyres, saying that the comments were made on a foundation of a lack of understanding of their benefits.

Mr Hammond said in the House of Commons: “Winter tyres wear out very quickly on normal road surfaces and cause significant damage to those surfaces, so they would not be appropriate in the UK.”, however Stuart Jackson, chairman of Tyresafe questioned such comments by saying: "Mr Hammond's comments show a complete lack of understanding about modern winter tyres which are the ideal solution to the type of weather we are currently experiencing.

Studless winter tyres are designed to provide much better grip over the entire winter period, not just for when people are driving for long periods on compacted snow as he implied. They do not damage road surfaces in any way and are wholly appropriate for the UK situation."

Tests have proven that winter tyres can be used all year round and perform considerably better in cold temperatures, improving handling and reducing stopping distances. With regards to the comments about them wearing out quickly on normal roads; winter tyres are manufactured with a deeper tread to enhance performance, not to disintegrate as soon as the snow/ice melts.

Roadsafe also made their feelings known on the subject, adding that it should be a legal requirement for winter tyres to be fitted in winter; as Adrian Walsh from Roadsafe commented: “Road safety and motor groups in Britain, including Roadsafe, TyreSafe and the SMMT recommend UK drivers follow the continent’s example and fit them in autumn and winter.

Winter driving tips

• Clear your windows fully before you drive – driving with restricted vision carries a penalty of up to £1000.
• Ensure you use a screenwash agent that does not freeze, and try not to add water as this will freeze in cold conditions.
• Never leave your car unattended when defrosting your car
• Remember that braking distances are up to 10 times longer in ice and snow.
• Try not to rev the engine too much in the snow, this can cause your vehicle to get stuck or your wheels to spin
• Ensure your tyres are in good condition, 3mm of tread is recommended for winter conditions.
• Check all your lights work, and replace any bulbs that are faulty.
• When performing manoeuvres, steer slowly and watch the pressure you are applying to the pedals.
• Carry an ice scraper and some de-icer to clear your windows

If you don’t already have it, get breakdown cover for the winter months to either fix your car at roadside or to recover your vehicle to a nearby garage. Breakdown cover is now an optional extra on car insurance policies; so when you’re looking for car insurance on the likes of moneysupermarket, check the cost of adding breakdown assistance as an extra.