UK environmental charity launches ‘better tyres’ campaign

National charity Environmental Protection UK has launched a campaign encouraging motorists to save money on fuel and reduce the environmental impact of their road journeys through choosing energy efficient, low noise and safe tyres. The Campaign for Better Tyres was officially launched by Transport Minister Norman Baker in London on March 29.

“Better tyres can help us save money, help cut carbon emissions and improve public health,” commented Environmental Protection UK chief executive James Grugeon. “If we all used energy efficient, low noise and safe tyres we would save 6.6 million tonnes of oil a year in Europe by 2020 – which is as much as the annual consumption of Hungary. We could also reduce CO2 emissions by as much as four million tonnes per year – equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars from the roads – and cut traffic noise in half.”

The charity notes that tyre choice can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by as much as ten per cent while cutting vehicle rolling noise almost in half and reduce braking distances on wet roads by up to 18 metres. “Tyre legislation sets minimum safety and environmental standards but the consumer is still faced with a wide range of products to choose from,” expounded Transport Minister Norman Baker. “This new information will enable consumers to make an informed purchase decision and to choose safer, quieter, and more fuel efficient tyres.”

Nina Renshaw, deputy director at the European Federation for Transport and Environment, added: “The European Federation for Transport and Environment is proud to support the Campaign for Better Tyres, which is leading the way in Europe. National campaigns such as this will be vital to ensure the success of the new EU tyre labels, which have the potential to save people money, improve safety, reduce noise and help the environment.”

The Campaign for Better Tyres is being co-ordinated by Environmental Protection UK with funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and The European Federation for Transport and Environment. Further information can be found at the campaign’s bettertyres.org.uk website.

Environmental Protection UK has worked with European NGOs, co-ordinated by The European Federation for Transport and Environment lobbying for the introduction of stricter EU type approval standards for tyres.