EU chiefs have proposed new regulations to ensure all new tyres fitted to vehicles on public roads are printed with information about their fuel efficiency, safety and noise standards.
The new rules would replace existing regulation on the labelling of tyres and could come into force as soon as 2020 if agreed by MEPs.
The RAC has backed the new labelling system.
RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Strengthening the tyre labelling regulations is good news for UK motorists and road safety generally.
“Currently, there is no requirement for tyre fitters to show labels at the point of purchase so motorists are oblivious to the pros and cons of the tyres they are buying.
“As a result few motorists are shown the labels when buying tyres, leaving them completely in the dark about the three ratings of fuel efficiency, wet grip and passing noise.
“Updating the regulations should fix this by making it mandatory for tyre labels to be shown to motorists in all situations.
“Information on tyres’ snow and ice performance is going to be included which will be very beneficial.
“The labels are also being future-proofed as the amended regulations allow for the addition of other useful information such as ratings for mileage, wear and a potential indication for re-treaded tyres.”
Increased production and design costs
However, campaigners claim the move could add up to £15 to the price of a tyre for a middle-range family saloon through increased production and design costs.
Jayne Adye, director of Get Britain Out, said: “This proposed EU regulation demonstrates how out of touch the European Commission is with the real world.
“Whilst it may look good on paper over in Brussels, this regulation would harm British motorists and farmers burdened with extra costs.
“There are many pieces of legislation, such as this one, which are set to come into force before December 2020 and the end of the Brexit transition period.
“It is imperative we leave as soon as possible to avoid such red tape entering our statute book.
“Red tape”
“The Commission has no intention of stopping with this piece of regulation.
“It intends to continue increasing legislation which inflicts greater costs on manufacturers who are then forced to comply, or go bust.
“Once we get Britain out of the EU, our government will have the necessary agility to promote energy efficiency, whilst simultaneously taking the side of the British motorist and our farmers.
“The EU is effectively telling us we cannot be trusted as consumers to make the right decision when we buy new products.
“Instead, they intend to take more and more control of our lives, making decisions on our behalf, telling us exactly which tyres are good and which are bad.
“It is outrageous.”
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