TyreSafe has introduced a comprehensive package of tyre safety materials tailored specifically for the taxi and private hire vehicle sector. The initiative comes in the wake of multiple enforcement actions that have uncovered a troubling number of licensed vehicles operating with dangerous or illegally maintained tyres across United Kingdom.

Recent inspections conducted by local authorities have led to several licensed vehicles being taken out of service immediately. Officers discovered tyres in such poor condition that internal reinforcing cords were visible, creating a substantial hazard not only for the drivers themselves but also for passengers and other individuals sharing the road.

In Liverpool, enforcement officers from the city council suspended a Sefton-licensed private hire vehicle after finding a tyre with white cords exposed across its inner surface. A subsequent joint operation with Merseyside Tunnel Police resulted in another Sefton-licensed car being removed from duty due to two illegal tyres, both displaying exposed cords. Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, with a Bristol-licensed vehicle suspended overnight for an almost completely smooth tyre and a Knowsley-licensed driver receiving penalty points and fines after being prosecuted for operating with two illegal tyres.

The images captured during these operations are particularly alarming because they involve vehicles that the public regularly trusts for safe transportation. While the vast majority of taxi and private hire drivers maintain their vehicles responsibly, these cases highlight the critical need for sustained attention to tyre safety across the industry. Although several recent incidents have occurred in Liverpool, they signify a broader national problem, especially given that such vehicles often accumulate far higher mileages than standard private cars, making frequent tyre inspections indispensable.

In response, TyreSafe has developed complimentary resources offering practical advice on routine tyre checks, legal obligations and replacement timing. The materials also address the purchase of part-worn tyres, reminding drivers to buy only from reputable dealers and ensure compliance with UK regulations, including proper inspection, pressure testing, permanent ‘PART-WORN’ marking, a minimum tread depth of two millimetres and freedom from dangerous defects. Given that previous enforcement has repeatedly uncovered illegally sold part-worn tyres with structural damage and missing markings, the organisation urges professional drivers to verify the history of any such purchase and prefer new tyres when feasible.

As part of the rollout, TyreSafe is collaborating with Liverpool City Council Licensing to distribute printed guides and educational posters directly to drivers, leveraging the city’s largest Hackney Carriage fleet outside London to place essential guidance in the hands of thousands of professionals. The resources cover daily inspections, correct pressures, damage identification and safe purchasing and are being made available for download at the TyreSafe website. Licensing authorities, operators and associations nationwide are encouraged to integrate these materials into licence processes and compliance checks, with the overarching goal of reducing illegal tyre use and ensuring every journey begins with a roadworthy vehicle.

Stuart Lovatt, Chair of TyreSafe said, “Professional drivers spend more time on our roads than almost anyone else. Their vehicles carry passengers throughout the day and night, often covering many thousands of miles every year, so maintaining safe, legal tyres is absolutely fundamental to protecting everyone who uses our roads – and, of course, protecting the income of drivers and service provision to the public by reducing the risk of suspensions during busy weekends. The recent enforcement cases are an important reminder that illegal or poorly maintained tyres remain a real and preventable risk. Whilst the overwhelming majority of taxi and private hire drivers are committed professionals who maintain their vehicles to a high standard, these incidents demonstrate why regular tyre checks can never be overlooked.

“We also recognise the financial pressures many drivers face. If you’re considering part-worn tyres, it’s essential to ensure they’ve been properly inspected, tested and comply fully with the law. Not every part-worn tyre offered for sale is legal or safe, so buying from a reputable retailer and understanding what to look for is vital. Education, guidance, support and enforcement must go hand in hand. Whilst enforcement removes unsafe vehicles from our roads, guidance and knowing what to look out for helps prevent them getting there in the first place. By working with Liverpool City Council and providing practical guidance directly to drivers, we hope this initiative encourages licensing authorities across the UK to make tyre safety an even greater priority.”

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards in Liverpool, said, “The safety of passengers, drivers and all road users is our highest priority. The recent enforcement activity has demonstrated why routine tyre inspections are so important, particularly for vehicles that spend long hours on the road every day. We’re delighted to be working with TyreSafe to provide practical tyre safety guidance directly to our licensed drivers. By combining education with our ongoing compliance work, we hope to encourage simple preventative checks that help keep vehicles safe, legal and roadworthy.”

David Lawrie, Director of the National Private Hire and Taxi Association (NPHTA), said, “Professional drivers and operators want to do the right thing, but financial pressures and a lack of clear, accessible guidance can sometimes lead to shortcuts that put lives at risk. Tyres are the only contact your vehicle has with the road – compromising on them is never worth the gamble. We fully support TyreSafe’s new initiative and urge all our members, operators and licensing authorities to make these resources a central part of their vehicle maintenance and safety checks.”

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Kumho Tire USA has announced that its driver Jack Shanahan finished third overall in the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship, concluding a strong second season with a runner-up result at Round 8, the Shoreline Showdown, held in Long Beach, California. Competing on KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres, Shanahan entered the season finale as the top qualifier and recorded his fourth podium of the year in his E82 BMW.

After securing first place in qualifying, Shanahan collected four championship points and received a bye through the Top 32 round. He then won three head-to-head battles to reach the Finals, where he met five-time PRO Champion James Deane in a tightly fought contest. While attempting to stay close to Deane’s Mustang, Shanahan spun in Zone 6 and ultimately took second place at the Shoreline Showdown.

The KUMHO Ecsta V730 is an extreme-performance summer tyre designed to deliver exceptional grip, responsiveness and consistency in demanding track conditions, making it well suited to competitive motorsports and driving enthusiasts.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, “Jack has delivered an outstanding season, and we couldn’t be prouder of what he’s accomplished in just his second year competing in Formula DRIFT. His four podium finishes and third-place championship standing are a testament not only to his talent and determination but also the reliable performance of our Ecsta V730 tyres. We’re proud to support Jack as he continues to establish himself among the sport’s top competitors.”

Shanahan said, “What an incredible year it’s been for our small but mighty team. To finish second at the final round and third overall in the championship exceeded all our expectations heading into the 2026 season. Having the grip, consistency and reliability of the KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres gave me the confidence to push my limits every round and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved together.”

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The all-new Vredestein Quatrac Pro 2 premium ultra-high-performance all-season tyre has had its class-leading capabilities confirmed through independent testing in Spain and Finland. The tyre established new benchmarks for wet braking and recorded the fastest snow handling lap times against four leading all-season rivals.

Testing in Finland at the UTAC winter facility used a sensor-equipped BMW 5 Series to measure speed and lap times, with all tyres subjected to identical procedures. The Quatrac Pro 2 achieved the quickest snow handling lap, showing exceptional grip, balance and controllability, which testers praised for excellent response and stability in all circumstances. Its snow performance is aided by 3D interlocking sipes at the shoulder, whose zig-zagged inner faces in horizontal and vertical planes limit tread block movement.

In Spain, Applus+ IDIADA assessed dry and wet handling and braking on certified asphalt with defined water depth. The tyre outperformed key competitors in wet conditions, delivering a 7 percent wet-braking advantage over one long-established segment rival, and separate testing confirmed an A wet-grip rating across the entire size range, unique in the UHP all-season segment. Four longitudinal grooves in every size, also unique in the category, plus directional lateral grooves, support water evacuation and aquaplaning resistance.

Compared with its predecessor, abrasion resistance has improved by 8 percent to maximise tyre life, while rolling resistance is reduced by 10 percent to boost driving range, underlining suitability for electric vehicles. The Quatrac Pro 2 is available now for wheel diameters from 17 to 24 inches, with section widths up to 355 mm for powerful passenger vehicles.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “Vredestein has long been recognised for its premium all-season tyres, and these independent tests reinforce that reputation. The Quatrac Pro 2 delivered exceptional grip and traction against other premium competitors while also improving efficiency and longevity compared with its predecessor.”

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Sri Trang Group secured dual honours at the SET Awards 2026, hosted by the Stock Exchange of Thailand, reinforcing its sustainability credentials. Sri Trang Agro-Industry Public Company Limited (STA) took home the Highly Commended Supply Chain Management Award. Its affiliate, Sri Trang Gloves (Thailand) Public Company Limited (STGT), earned a Sustainability Recognition within the Sustainability Excellence category. Together, the accolades signal the Group's push to elevate business standards and generate lasting value across its entire value chain.

The awards were presented on 29 October 2026 at the Stock Exchange of Thailand building. STA Executive Director Vitchaphol Sincharoenkul collected the supply chain honour from Professor Kitipong Urapeepatanapong, Chairperson of the Stock Exchange of Thailand. STGT Chairman of the Executive Committee Vitanath Sincharoenkul accepted the sustainability certificate from Dr. Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi, Chairman of the SET Panel of Experts.

STA's award recognises supply chain management that is efficient, transparent and traceable at every stage, from raw material sourcing and production through transportation to final customer delivery. The company also collaborates with farmers and business partners via the Sri Trang Friends platform, sharpening operational efficiency and bolstering local economies while meeting international environmental and responsible sourcing requirements. STGT operates under the Clean World Clean Gloves concept, weaving sustainability through its value chain by manufacturing to established quality standards, using resources wisely, safeguarding employee health and safety, respecting human rights and maintaining transparent risk management and governance, thereby building confidence among customers, partners, investors and staff.

The Group continues to embed environmental, social and governance principles in its strategies, deepening collaboration with value chain stakeholders to produce measurable sustainability results. Recognition at the SET Awards 2026 affirms this direction, spurs greater competitiveness and strengthens Sri Trang Group's role in steering the natural rubber and rubber gloves industries toward stable and sustainable growth.

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Toyo Tire Corporation has announced its sponsorship of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, scheduled for 15 May to 15 August 2027 in Serbia's capital. The company will also support the Japan Pavilion at the exposition, which will be the first event of its scale ever held in the Western Balkans.

With more than 140 international participants from countries and regions worldwide, the exposition is expected to foster international exchange and showcase initiatives for future generations. As a Gold Partner, Toyo Tire will provide 41 electric carts for on-site transport, including 4- and 14-seater models, wheelchair-accessible vehicles and emergency vehicles.

The carts will feature a wrap design blending Toyo Tire's signature corporate blue with the event's concept colours, enlivening the venue and creating a festive sense of unity. The company will also host TOYO TIRE WEEK at the Japan Pavilion, presenting an exhibit reflecting its interpretation of the Pavilion's theme, ‘Play and Connect, Together Playful Spirit of Japan’.

Toyo Tire established its first European tyre production base in Indjija, near Belgrade, in 2022, added a sales subsidiary there in 2025 and plans a new European R&D Centre at the Serbia Plant site in 2027. Positioning Serbia as a key strategic base for European expansion, the company aims to contribute to Serbia's development, promote exchanges between Serbia and Japan and other countries and help make the event a resounding success.

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