The Campaign for Better Tyres, which was officially launched by Transport Minister Norman Baker MP in London today (29 March), is dedicated to encouraging business and public sector fleets to ask their suppliers for tyres that are energy efficient, low noise and safe.

The organisation says that tyres are widely available and can reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 10%. They can also cut vehicle rolling noise almost in half and reduce braking distances on wet roads by up to 18 metres.

The campaign is being launched ahead of new EU tyre labelling legislation, due to be introduced in November 2012, which will require all tyres to be labelled at point of sale with information on fuel efficiency, noise and safety

Separate legislation will introduce stricter standards for tyres, although there are already tyres on the market which out-perform these standards.

James Grugeon, Environmental Protection UK chief executive, said: 'Better tyres can help us improve vehicle efficiency to reduce fuel bills, whilst at the same time cutting carbon and improving public health.

'If we all used energy-efficient, low-noise and safe tyres we could save 6.6 million tonnes of oil a year in Europe by 2020 – which is as much as the annual consumption of Hungary. We could also reduce CO2 emissions by as much as four million tonnes per year – equivalent to taking 1.3 million cars from the roads – and reduce traffic noise by half.'

Transport Minister Norman Baker said: 'Tyre legislation sets minimum safety and environmental standards but the consumer is still faced with a wide range of products to choose from. This new information will enable consumers to make an informed purchase decision and to choose safer, quieter, and more fuel efficient tyres.'