FLEET drivers are putting their lives at risk by ignoring tyre pressures on their vehicles, according to Kwik-Fit Fleet. Spot checks at Kwik Fit centres throughout the country revealed that half the vehicles examined had at least one tyre 10% under its correct pressure.

The 500 vehicles examined belonged to drivers who brought them in for free winter checks offered by the fast-fit company. Kwik Fit is so concerned by the problem, it has commissioned research by the Centre for Automotive Management at the Henley Management Centre, which is due to be published in January.

It will show that 90% of fleet managers running fleets of up to 250 vehicles thought regular checks on tyres and brakes were necessary, but fewer than 60% carried them out. Simon Roper, Kwik-Fit Fleet's sales and marketing director, said: 'Many drivers we spoke to admitted they left it to garages to check a vehicle's tyres. Apart from leading to accelerated wear, tyres that are not inflated to the correct pressure are downright dangerous. Many drivers find out the hard way, when they are fined or, even worse, have an accident.'