Tyres are to become safer, 50% quieter and more fuel efficient after the European Parliament voted to introduce a raft of regulations from 2012.

Further regulations are being considered for tyre labelling, which would give consumers a clearer idea about the road-grip, fuel efficiency and noise levels of products.

“These new proposals will vest more of the decision-making process back in the hands of the consumer,” said Mike Welch, managing director of blackcircles.com.

“In any other market customers make decisions based upon brand and quality, but with tyres price is still the determining factor.

“Labelling will arm customers with more knowledge and lead to greater competition between tyre brands, which can only be good news for the consumer.”