The finding was made at a Michelin event held by the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to test the pressures and condition of employees’ tyres.

Results from the 75 cars tested showed that 49% of tyres were at the correct pressure – better than the national average of 28% – and a further 24% of tyres were classed as “acceptable”, meaning they were up to 7psi under-inflated.

Technicians found 15 cars which had at least one tyre “dangerously” or “very dangerously” under-inflated. Not only do such tyres pose serious safety risks but they also cost fleets more in fuel.  

Aggregated across the whole 2,000-strong fleet at the Trust, the findings show that significant savings could be made if the correct tyre pressures were used.

Michelin head of fleet Dave Crinson said: ‘We hear a lot in the news about how the NHS is trying to make savings. Correcting tyre pressures is a simple task that can save a lot of money, not to mention the hugely positive impact it can have on safety and the environment.

‘Our figures show this Trust alone could potentially save almost £22,000 each year. Imagine how much the whole NHS could save if all staff paid close attention to their tyres.’

The Trust’s fleet manager, Leigh Hancock, who was introduced to Michelin via the NHS’s approved vehicle supplier Volkswagen Group Leasing, said the event had been a real eye opener for him and all Trust staff.

He said: ‘We were surprised to hear that only half of the tyres were at the correct pressure – and even more surprised to hear that is much better than the national average!

‘Now we know how much of a difference tyre pressure can make we will make a concerted effort to encourage all staff to take action. It’s such a simple step but the savings clearly add up.’