Following a report in Auto Express magazine that some insurers view winter tyres as a vehicle modification, resulting in high insurance premiums for drivers, TyreSafe branded such hikes as 'absurd'.

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: '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. With the high number of drivers still being killed or injured in tyre related accidents each year, we should be actively encouraging responsible behaviour, such as the fitting of winter tyres.'

TyreSafe's criticism has been echoed by RoadSafe, the National Tyre Distributors Association, and now ATS Euromaster.

Huw Williams, group marketing director, said: 'We are in agreement with Tyresafe's criticism of insurance companies charging higher premiums for drivers with cold weather tyres. It highlights the widespread confusion surrounding their fitment and proven suitability for the UK market.

'As an industry we should be working together to encourage their use, not penalising early-adopters by raising premiums.  Independent research has clearly demonstrated that it doesn't matter whether a road is dry, wet, or covered in ice, slush or snow, if the temperature is at or below seven degrees Celsius – as it typically is in the UK from mid-November until late-March – you'll be safer on cold weather tyres.'