TyreSafe, a safety organisation, has voiced its concern at reported additional premiums being charged by some car insurance firms for drivers fitting winter tyres.
This move has been prompted by an article appearing in Auto Express magazine which claimed that some insurers regard the fitting of winter tyres as a vehicle modification, which can lead to high car insurance premiums for drivers.
Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, commented: "Many independent tests have proven that winter weather tyres are the safest option for drivers throughout the entire winter period, not just when we have snowfall and ice."
He added: "To penalise drivers for taking a positive step to improve their safety on the road seems absurd."
This criticism has been echoed by industry bodies RoadSafe and the National Tyre Distributors Association.
Earlier this week, Daily Mirror reporter Melanie Wright warned car insurance customers to ensure that they have adequate cover in place or risk a long wait at the roadside if anything goes wrong.




