While 100% of drivers were aware of their daily legal obligation to check their vehicle, the survey highlighted that 38% of drivers were unaware of their fleet’s formal tyre fitment policy.
A further 38% of drivers did not know the legal minimum tread depth for an HGV tyre in the UK (1mm).
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.
“It is likely that tyres are being purchased directly on price for immediate savings, however there is a growing correlation between that trend and an increase in Total Cost of Ownership with higher rolling resistance (increased fuel consumption) during a reduced lifespan (lower mileage capability).”
Darren Lindsey, CEO of the British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA), 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.
“We urge smaller operators to understand that without a robust retreading policy in place means these fleets are effectively throwing money away, sacrificing future cost savings, and compromising safety by running rubber down to the limit.”
Stuart Lovatt, chair of TyreSafe, said: “The 11% TPMS adoption rate is a significant red flag.
“For smaller, regional fleets operating in hazardous urban or construction environments, tyre damage is a daily reality, yet these operators are the least equipped to detect it early.
“Relying on a quick visual check is a high-stakes gamble; by the time a tyre looks under-inflated, the internal structure is often already compromised beyond repair. This is the definition of a false economy.”
He continued: “Ahead of the upcoming Police enforcement operation, we urge operators to move beyond the ‘bare minimum’ mindset.
“Whether through digital tools or enhanced driver training, the goal must be to identify damage—like cuts to cords or incorrect load applications—before they become fatal failures or costly roadside prohibitions.”
Lisa Scott, regional road safety programme manager for the North West at National Highways, said: “Safety is our top priority.
“While it’s encouraging to see high average tread depths on vehicles on our roads, the knowledge gaps and the low adoption of in-cab monitoring are concerning.
“A vehicle that is prohibited at the roadside due to a defective tyre is not only a danger but is causing avoidable disruption to the network.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we fully support TyreSafe’s call for all operators to treat tyre maintenance as a critical, non-negotiable part of their operational safety culture.”
TyreSafe and its partners urge all operators – particularly owner-drivers and smaller regional fleets – to move beyond a “pass or fail” mind-set.
To improve safety and reduce operating costs, they recommended moving beyond just a “quick look”, ensuring fitness for purpose, prioritising damage prevention over replacement, bridging the knowledge gap, and evaluating monitoring solutions.
Moving beyond a quick look entails drivers being trained to specifically look for cuts to cords and sidewall bulges.
Ensuring fitness for purpose means operators must ensure tyres are correctly matched for the vehicle’s specific load requirements and operating speeds to prevent premature fatigue and heat-related failure.
TyreSafe said drivers need to be aware that tyres marked ‘FRT’ are designed specifically for trailer or non-steering axles.
Prioritising damage prevention over replacement means drivers understanding the difference between a minor repairable puncture and a major internal failure.
Bridging the knowledge gap ensures every driver understands that the 1mm legal limit is a “minimum,” not a “safety target.”
TyeSafe and its partners are urging operators to adopt a “safety margin”, replacing at a higher threshold than the legal minimum, to maintain handling and braking performance, particularly in wet or urban conditions.
Evaluating monitoring solutions encourages operators to explore how monitoring technology (like TPMS) can provide a “safety net” against slow punctures and overheating.
