TyreSafe is re-releasing its Young Driver Campaign this September, warning new drivers that just two illegal tyres could be enough to cost them their licence.
The campaign aims to raise awareness among young drivers of their legal responsibility for tyre safety, while providing simple, practical advice to help them stay safe and avoid potentially serious penalties.
At the heart of the campaign is TyreSafe’s ACT message – Air pressure, Condition, Tread – encouraging young drivers to regularly check their tyres and ensure they are safe, legal and roadworthy.
The charity is highlighting the potentially severe consequences of driving with unsafe or illegal tyres. Drivers can face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.
For new drivers in their first two years on the road, the consequences can be even more serious. Accumulating six penalty points results in automatic licence revocation, meaning just two illegal tyres could be enough for a new driver to lose their licence.
TyreSafe research has also identified a significant knowledge gap among young drivers. More than half (52%) of UK drivers aged 17–24 do not realise that they are legally responsible for the condition of the tyres on any vehicle they drive – even when they do not own the vehicle.
The campaign is therefore designed to ensure young drivers understand that tyre safety is their responsibility, regardless of whose vehicle they are driving.
TyreSafe Chair Stuart Lovatt said the campaign would help reinforce the importance of compliance among young road users.
He said: “Young and new drivers remain one of the highest-risk groups on UK roads, not only due to inexperience, but also because of the tighter restrictions placed on their licence.
“With the Government now setting out more ambitious targets to reduce killed and seriously injured casualties—particularly among young people—there is an even greater responsibility on all road safety partners to focus on educating young road users to be compliant and make them aware of the serious consequences if they aren’t.
“Tyres are one of the most critical safety factors on any vehicle, and young and new drivers have the responsibility to ensure that they are driving on safe, legal and compliant tyres. The repercussions, if they don’t, can be extremely punitive when it comes to penalty points, financial penalties and operating costs.
“Working alongside Operation Spotlight and in support of THINK!, this campaign ensures we can reach more young drivers than ever with advice that can directly reduce their risk of collisions, penalties, and licence loss.”
The campaign comes as national efforts to reduce killed and seriously injured casualties among young road users are being strengthened.
The Government’s new Road Safety Strategy, published in January, sets out more ambitious targets for reducing road deaths and serious injuries, with improving outcomes for young drivers among its key areas of focus.
TyreSafe says its campaign supports this wider objective by focusing on early intervention and behavioural change, equipping young drivers with practical knowledge that could help prevent avoidable collisions.
The campaign will run across TyreSafe’s social media channels and website, supported by videos, infographics and step-by-step guides.
Police forces, driving instructors, schools, colleges and road safety partnerships are being encouraged to share the campaign resources and engage with young drivers in their communities.
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