Stopping power: National Highways urges drivers to check tyre labels

• Over half of drivers said they were unaware tyre labels had to be legally displayed when buying new tyres.
• Tyres rated A for wet grip can stop up to 18 metres shorter than E-rated tyres at 50mph.
• Drivers are encouraged to check tyre labels when buying new tyres, as different types affect stopping distances, especially in wet weather.

Tyre labels, which have been legally required to be displayed or discussed when buying new tyres since 2012, provide vital information about grip, fuel efficiency and external noise. Yet new research shows many drivers are unaware of what these labels mean or how they can affect safety.

Tyres rated A for wet grip can stop a vehicle up to 18 metres sooner than those rated E – the equivalent of four car lengths or two London buses when braking at 50mph in wet conditions.

That difference becomes even more critical when considering how common front-to-rear collisions are on major roads. In 2023, data shows there were 6,577 collision incidents on motorways and major A roads. Of these, 2,927 (45%) were classified as front-to-rear collisions.

Advice on tyre labelling forms part of National Highways’ autumn T.R.I.P. campaign, which encourages drivers to Top-up, Rest, Inspect and Prepare before setting off on long journeys.

This season’s focus is on tyre safety, with a call to check the information on a tyre label when buying and always remember to check the condition of your tyres before any long journey (by inspecting tread, pressure and for any damage).

Tyre labels must be displayed or discussed when buying new tyres. However, new research commissioned by National Highways shows many drivers lack knowledge and understanding around the labels:

• 51% didn’t know tyre labels are legally required
• 19% never conduct any research before buying tyres
• Only 41% recall seeing a label or receiving one with their receipt
• 30% say they don’t understand wet grip ratings well enough to make an informed choice 

Importantly, drivers should know that expensive doesn’t always mean better- tyre labels help you choose based on safety, not just price.

Colin Stevenson, Road Safety Information Lead at National Highways, said: “Tyres may look alike, but their performance can vary. Wet grip ratings can make a real difference in how quickly your vehicle stops in the rain.

“We’re not telling people to buy the most expensive tyre- a higher price doesn’t always mean better performance, especially in wet conditions. What matters is being informed, so you can make an informed choice on your tyres. 

“And while tyre performance plays a role in stopping distances, it’s also important to drive responsibly, keeping a safe distance and adjusting to road conditions helps prevent rear-end collisions.”

Ian Andrew, Chief Executive Officer of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA), said: “T.R.I.P. is such an important initiative, especially as the seasons change and road conditions become more challenging. Motorist safety is a huge part of the work we do with our members, so identifying gaps in vehicle checks and exploring how we can do better is something we’re proud to support.

“Understanding tyre labels is the first step towards a safer journey, even before carrying out your regular T.R.I.P. checks. With autumn bringing colder and wetter weather, take a moment to check your tyre labels and stay safe with the right stopping distances.”

The campaign supports Tyre Safety Month, the UK’s largest annual tyre safety initiative led by the charity TyreSafe.

Notes to Editors

• To find out more about National Highways’ seasonal T.R.I.P. campaign, and learn more on how to check your tyres, visit: Have a safe T.R.I.P.
• Tyre labels have been legally required since 2012 and include ratings for wet grip, fuel efficiency and external noise.
• The 18-metre stopping distance figure is based on European Commission impact assessment data and is widely cited by tyre manufacturers and safety bodies.
• National Highways is responsible for maintaining and improving the Strategic Road Network (SRN), which carries around a third of all traffic and two-thirds of freight in England.

Statistics and data breakdown:

Front-to-Rear Collision data by region (2023)

Tyre labelling awareness and consumer behaviour

(Source: Walnut Omnibus Research, commissioned by National Highways, September 2024. Survey of 1,397 UK drivers.)

·       51% didn’t know tyre labels are legally required

North East: 44% | North West: 49% | Humber: 57% | East Mids: 48% | West Mids: 43%

East: 57% | London: 34% | South East: 58% | South West: 57%

·       19% never research before buying tyres

North East: 15% | North West: 18% | Humber: 19% | East Mids: 14% | West Mids: 17%

East: 22% | London: 7% | South East: 25% | South West: 24%

·       Only 41% recall seeing a label or receiving one with their receipt

North East: 49% | North West: 44% | Humber: 40% | East Mids: 50% | West Mids: 47%

East: 36% | London: 63% | South East: 27% | South West: 30%

·       30% say they don’t understand wet grip ratings well enough to make an informed choice

North East: 30% | North West: 30% | Humber: 29% | East Mids: 40% | West Mids: 30%

East: 32% | London: 20% | South East: 34% | South West: 34%

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:

Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiries
Option 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)
Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)