Worryingly, it is estimated that more than a third of cars on the UK’s roads have dangerously under-inflated tyres. Coupled with the fact that a million new cars are registered every year by fleets and businesses, and an alarming scenario takes shape.

However, businesses and fleet operators that implement a robust tyre maintenance policy can enjoy lower running costs and ensure their vehicles are as safe to drive as possible.

And to drive the message home, the short film available to watch at www.tyresafe.org, gives a graphic example of how the higher running costs for just one car can quickly escalate when applied to a typical larger fleet.

Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, said: “Businesses have a duty of care to ensure a safe working environment and this extends to the vehicles their staff use for work.

“If the prospect of a hefty fine wasn’t enough, then the chance to cut running costs must be reason to implement a tyre maintenance programme. Indeed, it’s been estimated that a car driving with tyres under-inflated by 20 per cent will reduce its fuel economy by 3 per cent. While that might not seem a lot for one car, when it’s multiplied across a large fleet covering many miles, then that’s a lot of wasted money.”

Under-inflated tyres produce more rolling resistance which in turn means they need more energy to make them turn, hence the engine having to work harder than if inflated to the correct level.

Apart from the financial aspect, the film also shows the dangers of running with under inflated tyres and how handling can be significantly compromised, even with the air pressure reduced by just 6 psi, a typical level of under-inflation.