Tyresafe wants garages and tyre retailers to educate motorists on the safety benefits of fitting winter tyres.

Cold weather tyres are used commonly elsewhere in Europe where the winters are harsher, but UK tyre companies believe the products could have a safety benefit in the UK, and lead to increased sales.

Slippery roads accounted for 55% of road traffic accidents in which road environment was a contributory factor in 2007, said a Tyresafe spokesman.

“Fitting cold weather tyres can provide significant safety benefits for motorists,” explained Rob Beddis, TyreSafe chairman.

“With temperatures frequently below 7°C in the UK over the winter, particularly in rush hour when the traffic is at its heaviest, cold weather tyres offer a sensible alternative on the wet roads.

"They are designed to perform more effectively in cold, wet conditions, dramatically reducing stopping distances.”

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