A Yorkshire NHS Trust has discovered it could save almost £22,000 per year if all employee vehicles were driven with tyres at the correct pressures.

The discovery was made after Michelin visited 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 with at least one tyre ‘dangerously’ or ‘very dangerously’ under-inflated.

In addition to the serious safety risks posed, under-inflated tyres also cost motorists more in fuel.  

If the results from the recent test are indicative of the 2,000-strong fleet at the Trust, Michelin estimates fuel savings of £21,750 could be made each year.

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 the staff.

He said: “We were surprised to hear that only half of the tyres were at the correct pressure.

“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.”

Dave Crinson, Michelin’s head of fleet, hopes the Trust can set an example to the rest of the NHS.

He 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.”

Volkswagen Group Leasing’s public sector sales manager, Marco Capozzoli, told Fleet News that whatever tyres you have, it’s very important to maintain the correct pressures.

“This event has shown a significant amount of savings could be made, and we will be supporting the Trust in their efforts to educate staff about the importance of tyre pressures,” he said.

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