Image: RAC
The EU is proposing new regulations to ensure all vehicle tyres are supplied with information about their fuel efficiency, safety and noise standards.
The EU proposals, which seek to update existing tyre labelling regulations introduced in 2009, are designed to create ‘cleaner, safer and quieter vehicles’.
Backed by the RAC, the proposals will be voted on by the European Parliament later this year.
An explanation by the European Commission, published by the Express, said: “Improving the labelling of tyres will give consumers more information on fuel efficiency, safety and noise, allowing them to obtain accurate, relevant and comparable information on those aspects when purchasing tyres.
“This will help improve the effectiveness of the tyre labelling scheme so as to ensure cleaner, safer and quieter vehicles and maximise the scheme’s contribution to the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
“This proposal replaces an existing regulation on the labelling of tyres, and the administrative impact and costs are therefore estimated to be moderate, as most of the necessary structures and rules are in place.”
The RAC says strengthening the tyre labelling regulations is ‘good news for UK motorists and road safety’.
Simon Williams, RAC spokesman, said: “Good tyres are vital for keeping vehicles in contact with the road surface.
“Currently, there is no requirement for tyre fitters to show labels at the point of purchase so motorists are oblivious to the pros and cons of the tyres they are buying.
“As a result few motorists are shown the labels when buying tyres, leaving them completely in the dark about the three ratings of fuel efficiency, wet grip and passing noise. Updating the regulations should fix this by making it mandatory for tyre labels to be shown to motorists in all situations.
“Information on tyres’ snow and ice performance is going to be included which will be very beneficial. The labels are also being future-proofed as the amended regulations allow for the addition of other useful information such as ratings for mileage, wear and a potential indication for retreaded tyres.”
Realistically, I think consumers want to know two things when buying tyres: “How much?” and “Have you got any in stock”? and usually the only time they read the sidewall is to determine the size when buying a replacement.
Driving habits are more likely to influence “..fuel efficiency, safety and noise..” than the tyres.
Hugh Jones
0
I don’t know about ‘safer tyres’ but would agree that more information could be given out by the suppliers through the garages. I have just been writing to a well known British Make Tyre company and complained about their road safety advice in several ways. One in particular is that one should always be two cars length or slightly more behind the car in front. Not 2 car lengths per 10 mph. as it should be. Can you imaging someone following that safety advice at 50 or 70 mph. Sheer stupidity . I don’t know where they get their information from at all? but they are not the only ones to recommend Tailgating.
R.Craven
+2