HGV & PSV Tyre policy
The Importance of Appointing a Tyre Champion for Fleet Safety
Managing tyres may not always be the first thing fleet operators think about, but it plays a critical role in keeping vehicles safe, efficient, and compliant. One of the most effective ways to ensure high standards is by appointing a Tyre Champion — a dedicated individual responsible for overseeing all aspects of tyre management, maintenance, and compliance.
Why Appoint a Tyre Champion?
The Tyre Champion acts as the central point of responsibility, ensuring tyres are selected, maintained, stored, and recycled to the highest standards. This role reduces the risk of costly breakdowns, improves fuel efficiency, and helps prevent dangerous accidents caused by tyre failures.
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Core Responsibilities of a Tyre Champion
1. Tyre Management
A Tyre Champion ensures that the right tyres are used for each vehicle and operating condition. They also maintain detailed records of:
Tyre wear patterns (e.g., uneven wear suggesting alignment issues).
Failure trends (punctures, bulges, or slashes).
Locations where recurring tyre damage occurs (such as certain delivery sites).
This proactive monitoring helps identify problems early and implement long-term solutions.
2. Tyre Maintenance
Regular inspections are essential for road safety. The Tyre Champion is responsible for:
Creating a tyre maintenance schedule.
Checking tread depth, pressure, and tyre age.
Managing both in-house teams and external tyre fitters.
Ensuring technical equipment and staff are competent for the job.
By keeping maintenance structured and consistent, fleets can minimise unexpected failures.
3. Tyre Recycling & Disposal
Tyres must be disposed of responsibly. The Tyre Champion ensures compliance with local waste regulations, preventing harmful environmental impacts such as pollution caused by burning tyres.
4. Driver Training & Walkaround Checks
Drivers are the first line of defence against tyre defects. A Tyre Champion:
Provides practical training on daily tyre checks.
Coordinates spot checks with supervisors.
Ensures missed defects are identified quickly.
5. Tyre Storage
If tyres are stored on-site, the Champion makes sure they are kept securely to avoid theft, weather damage, or deterioration.
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Building a Tyre Management Policy
A tyre management policy underpins the Tyre Champion’s work. It should include:
Clear Objectives
Define the company’s commitment to tyre safety — for example, aiming to reduce tyre failures to zero.
Company Tyre Safety Standards
Set out expectations around:
Tread depth and tyre selection.
Pressure checks and lifespan.
Replacement standards (including regrooved or retreaded tyres).
Inspection protocols.
Recycling and disposal methods.
Ownership & Responsibility
Clearly state who the policy applies to — drivers, transport staff, tyre fitters, the Tyre Champion, and procurement teams.
Regular Review
Review the policy at least once every 12 months, with senior management sign-off, or sooner if fleet circumstances change.
Internal Communications
Have a clear plan for sharing policies with all relevant staff, including contractors, to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.
Tyre Disposal & Maintenance Scheduling
Maintain written agreements for safe disposal and recycling. Also, keep records of tyre failures, unusual wear patterns, and disposal activities to spot trends.
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Final Thoughts
Appointing a Tyre Champion is not just about compliance — it’s about creating a culture of safety and responsibility within your fleet. By combining clear accountability, structured policies, and ongoing monitoring, businesses can cut costs, reduce risk, and keep their vehicles operating at peak efficiency.
