The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) and TyreSafe, the UK’s tyre safety charity, will unite their voices in the shared mission to improve road safety, raise standards, and influence positive behavioural change across the UK. The two bodies announced a new formal partnership on 15 October, bringing together two organisations at the heart of the tyre and automotive aftercare sectors. TyreSafe and the NTDA plan to align aims, objectives, and strategies, according to their announcement, working together “to amplify the message of tyre safety and strengthen engagement with retailers, fitters, wholesalers, and technicians — the professionals on the front line of influencing driver behaviour.” The new collaboration signals the arrival of a new era of cooperation in the UK tyre sector, coinciding with new leadership at the NTDA, with associations increasingly united by shared interests.
Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe chair, said, “This partnership represents a pivotal moment for the tyre industry. TyreSafe and the NTDA share a common goal – to make tyre safety a central part of the national road safety conversation. By combining TyreSafe’s public awareness and behavioural insight with the NTDA’s trade expertise and nationwide reach, we are uniting every part of the tyre supply chain behind one clear message: safe tyres save lives. Together, we can make that message stronger, more consistent, and more effective than ever before.”
Ian Andrew, chief executive officer of the NTDA, added, “The NTDA has long been committed to raising standards across the tyre trade and promoting the professionalism of our members. Working collaboratively with TyreSafe allows us to take this commitment to the next level – ensuring that retailers, fitters, and technicians play a central role in improving driver understanding and road safety outcomes. This partnership will help unify our industry around shared goals, driving both cultural and practical change.”
Collaboration supports mutual goals
As the UK’s leading trade association for tyre distributors, the NTDA represents more than 300 companies operating over 2,000 tyre retail outlets nationwide, ranging from independent family businesses to major national chains. Founded in 1930, the NTDA continues to promote professional development, industry standards, and a sustainable, high-quality future for the UK tyre trade.
The partnership will support joint campaigns, shared research initiatives, and the continued development of resources that help both consumers and industry professionals understand the importance of correct tyre care, maintenance, and replacement.
The NTDA’s recent TyreCheck 2025 research, an extensive nationwide study of more than 58,000 vehicles, provides powerful new insight into tyre condition and driver habits, reinforcing TyreSafe’s ongoing case for action. The findings show a sharp rise in tyres that are legal but dangerously worn (1.6–2.0mm tread), highlighting the need for renewed education on the true meaning of roadworthiness and safety.
The new partnership connects manufacturers, distributors, and safety advocates under a shared vision: to eliminate harm caused by illegal and poorly maintained tyres.
