Motor Ombudsman unveils new tyre safety campaign

The Motor Ombudsman has unveiled its ‘Make Time for Tyres’ campaign as part of its showcase at this year’s two-day UK Garage & Bodyshop Event, which opens at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham today.

The tyre safety awareness initiative has been launched with the support of TyreSafe and road safety campaigner Sophie Lyden to emphasise the need for drivers to regularly check their tyres are safe and legal.

Every year, around 57% of cars on UK roads – about 75 million vehicles – have tyres that are running at 10% below the optimum pressure levels.

As part of the ‘Make Time for Tyres’ campaign, the Motor Ombudsman’s blue tick insignia will serve as a symbol of quality to assure motorists that accredited repairers meet the highest repair and safety standards, as stipulated within the organisation’s Service and Repair Code.

The campaign will also include posters for bodyshops to display promoting tyre care, while the Motor Ombudsman will also use social media to further raise awareness.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman, said:

“Following in the footsteps of our other previous successful tyre safety awareness campaigns, ‘Make Time for Tyres’ is being launched ahead of one of the pivotal motoring moments for consumers in the year – the summer holiday getaway. This is a period when millions of drivers are set to take to the roads, and when checking tyres is a vital part of pre-holiday preparations.”