The tyres are said to offer direct benefits as soon as the temperature drops below seven degrees Celsius, when the performance of regular "summer" tyres deteriorates, leading to reduced grip and braking ability.

This led one major home delivery fleet to turn to ATS Euromaster in January to convert its entire fleet of 600 vehicles to cold weather tyres to ensure it could continue its deliveries, and ATS Euromaster is predicting further demand next winter.

Commenting on expected take-up in the UK, Steve Bury, head of national car at ATS Euromaster, said: 'Early adopters are likely to be "blue light" and utilities fleets, plus those companies whose business relies on ensuring mobility – such as home delivery operations. We've already carried out extensive tests with one emergency services provider, in conjunction with Michelin, and have been approached by a number of leasing companies and major fleets about formally introducing cold weather tyres this October.

'The critical factor is securing supply. Demand is high from mainland Europe and whilst it might only be spring, fleets need to be making formal plans within the next couple of months,' he added.

ATS Euromaster's offer will include the fitment of cold weather tyres during October and early November, with summer tyres individually labelled and stored ready for re-fitting the following March and April. The worn cold weather tyres will then replace the summer tyres in storage, ready for the following winter.

Cold weather tyres are available for most models of car, van and light commercial, forming an intermediary option between summer tyres and studded snow tyres.