TyreSafe has urged HGV operators to strengthen tyre management practices after new roadside research revealed significant differences in compliance between large fleets and smaller operators.
The study, conducted at Exeter and Lymm motorway service areas ahead of the Police’s ‘Commercial Vehicle Operation’, involved inspections of 186 vehicles and trailers, generating more than 1,320 tyre readings.
Findings showed limited use of monitoring technology, with just 11% of drivers reporting the use of an in-cab tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Meanwhile, 21% said they relied solely on visual checks to assess tyre pressures. Although all drivers were aware of their legal duty to carry out daily vehicle checks, 38% did not know their fleet’s tyre fitment policy and the same proportion were unaware that the legal minimum tread depth for HGV tyres in the UK is 1mm.
TyreSafe said the results highlighted a divide between larger, policy-driven fleets and smaller or owner-operated businesses.
Rich Allen, Commercial Director at International Tyres and Trading, said: “What we saw on the ground at Lymm provided immediate, visible proof of the risk disparity. Where we saw policy in action, we saw quality fitment and trained drivers. But among the smaller fleets and owner-operators, we found a high degree of technical complacency—mixed brands, cheaper rubber, and errors like using steer tyres on trailers. For these operators, their lack of policy is likely to lead to mismatching of tread depths or load ratings and an overall reduction in handling capability.”
Darren Lindsey, CEO of the British Tyre Manufacturers Association, added: “The data confirms that the industry is divided. Where strong policies exist—often driven by the need to preserve the valuable tyre casing for retreading—compliance is excellent, running to standards well above the law.”
TyreSafe is calling on operators, particularly smaller fleets, to move beyond a minimum compliance mindset by improving driver training, ensuring tyres are correctly specified and matched, and considering monitoring technology to identify issues before they escalate into safety risks or higher operating costs.