North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust has deployed Michelin CrossClimate+ tyres to help save money and boost mobility for its 160-strong rapid response paramedic fleet.

Michelin CrossClimate+ tyres offer the benefits of a summer tyre for dry or wet braking, total mileage and energy efficiency, while also boasting the traction and braking performance of a winter tyre.

The Trust’s rapid response fleet previously fitted Michelin winter tyres year-round, which was a compromise on wear and performance during summer months. By switching to the CrossClimate+ summer tyre with winter capabilities on its mixed fleet of Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Passat rapid response vehicles, the fleet’s tyres will last longer before replacement, which will in turn help to drive down fleet running costs.

Andy Pritchard, North West Ambulance Service fleet engineer – operations, said: “Our priority is to get to the patient as soon as we get the call. It doesn’t matter if there’s a blizzard, high winds, or torrents of rain – with lives at stake, safe mobility is key. With this change to our tyre policy, we can deliver rapid, expert, lifesaving care wherever it’s required.”

Pritchard adds: “Our fleet covers a diverse territory, from the Cumbrian hills to the city streets of Manchester, so we need tyres that will help us get to the patient, whatever the weather and road condition, as quickly and safely as possible.”

The complete Michelin CrossClimate range now features CrossClimate tyres in 14-inch fitments, CrossClimate+ tyres in 15- to 18-inches, and CrossClimate SUV tyres in 16- to 19-inches.

By the end of 2017, Michelin will offer CrossClimate tyres in 95 sizes, with further expansion to come.