Motorists are calling for the stronger measures to help keep newly qualified drivers safe on Britain’s roads, with 81% believing new drivers should fully understand issues such as correct tyre pressures, tread depths and the role of tyre pressure monitoring systems.

Bridgestone’s findings^[1] also reveal widespread backing for tougher roadside enforcement, with 67% of motorists saying tyre safety checks should form part of routine police traffic stops, reflecting growing concern about the role that poorly maintained tyres can play in serious road collisions.

Responsibility doesn’t stop with individual motorists either, with more than three-quarters (76%) believing that employers should do more to ensure tyres are safe and correctly maintained on vehicles used for work-related journeys, irrespective of whether employees drive a company car or their own private vehicle. And 78% also called for dedicated tyre safety education for youngsters, before they even learn to drive.

The results come on the back of recently released figures from the Department for Transport^[2], which highlight the growing consequences of poor tyre maintenance on Britain’s roads. According to the department’s Reported Road Casualties Great Britain Final Results 2025 report, the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in collisions involving illegal, defective or underinflated tyres rose by 19% year on year, increasing from 169 in 2024 to 201 in 2025.

Overall, there were 667 casualties resulting from tyre-related incidents during 2025, up 14% from 585 the previous year, while the number of collisions involving defective tyres increased to 447. The figures underline the importance of regular tyre checks and greater tyre safety awareness, particularly among newly qualified drivers who are still developing safe driving habits.

Bridgestone’s Helen Roe, Bridgestone UK, Senior Marketing Manager said: “The latest findings reinforce our belief that tyre safety should play a far greater role in helping young drivers develop safe driving habits from day one. Despite tyres being the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, tyre maintenance remains one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle safety.

“We have seen some high profile cases of preventable road fatalities due to defective tyres and we can’t stress the importance of knowing the tyre basics and carrying out some simple checks, which can be done in a matter of minutes.”

Bridgestone’s 2026 survey builds on its 2025 research, which highlighted strong public support for additional safeguards aimed at newly qualified drivers. More than half (57%) backed the introduction of a Graduated Driving Licence, while half supported displaying a ‘recently passed’ sign for up to 12 months and limiting new drivers to carrying just one passenger during their first year behind the wheel.

A total of 39% believed newly qualified motorists should complete a refresher driving course after passing their test, while one in five (21%) supported restricting new drivers to travelling within a 50-mile radius of home during their first six to 12 months on the road.

Helen added: “Learning to drive doesn’t stop the day someone passes their test. Developing safe habits, including understanding how to check and maintain tyres, is an important part of becoming a confident and responsible driver.

“It’s encouraging to see such strong public support for improving tyre safety education and ensuring motorists understand the importance of looking after the only part of the vehicle that actually touches the road. Simple checks can make a real difference to road safety, not only for new drivers but for everyone using our roads.”

The research supports Bridgestone’s ongoing ‘Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero’ campaign, which encourages motorists to carry out regular tyre checks and promotes simple maintenance advice to help reduce the risk of incidents caused by underinflated, damaged or excessively worn tyres.

The campaign forms part of Bridgestone’s wider E8 Commitment, specifically supporting its principles of Ease by giving motorists greater peace of mind through education and Extension by helping create safer, more sustainable mobility for all road users.

For more information about Bridgestone’s road safety initiatives and tips on tyre care, visit Bridgestone Tyre Care Guide.

Merityre Southfields has raised £938 through a five-month charity initiative, with St Michael’s Church Social Projects and the Friends of Wimbledon Park the beneficiaries.

The campaign involved motorists receiving a £1 donation token for each Bridgestone tyre purchased between November and December 2025 and February to April this year. They were then able to allocate it to one of two local organisations, resulting in donations of £464 to St Michael’s Church Social Projects and £474 to Friends of Wimbledon Park.

St Michael’s Church Social Projects will use its donation to install an additional water tap at its thriving Kitchen Garden Project on the Church Memorial Field in Viewfield Road. Established in 2020, the project has grown into an enclosed allotment featuring more than 30 raised beds, fruit trees and bushes, producing fresh organic fruit and vegetables for twice-weekly community lunches and a weekly food bank. The additional tap will significantly reduce the time volunteers spend watering the expanding garden, allowing them to focus on supporting the retired, unemployed, isolated and vulnerable people who benefit from the initiative.

Beyond providing fresh produce, the Kitchen Garden Project offers participants a safe and welcoming environment where they can improve their physical and mental wellbeing, develop new skills and build meaningful relationships through gardening.

Meanwhile, Friends of Wimbledon Park plans to use its donation towards a new ‘Friends’ Bench’ within the park’s Waterfall Garden, creating another welcoming space for visitors to enjoy one of the area’s best-loved green spaces. Any remaining funds will support further park improvements, including tree and bulb planting and the purchase of materials needed to maintain the charity’s ongoing work.

The community initiative reflects one of the key pillars of Bridgestone’s e-CENTRE Excellence Programme, which encourages retailers to create a positive impact beyond the workshop by supporting local communities and championing environmental and social causes.

Dene Arnold, Director at Merityre, said: “As a business rooted in the local community, we wanted to give our customers the opportunity to support causes that really matter to people in Southfields.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who got behind the campaign and helped us raise such a fantastic amount. Being part of Bridgestone’s e-CENTRE network is about much more than providing premium products and services. It’s about making a meaningful contribution to the communities we serve and creating a positive impact beyond the garage doors.

“It’s especially rewarding to know exactly where the money is going. Whether it’s helping volunteers continue to grow fresh produce for people in need or creating new spaces for the community to enjoy in Wimbledon Park, these are projects that will make a lasting difference locally.”

Gresia Cabrera, Bridgestone’s Business Development Manager and project lead for the e-CENTRE programme, added: “Community engagement sits at the heart of the eCentre philosophy, so it’s fantastic to see Merityre Southfields bringing that vision to life.

“The team continues to demonstrate that modern tyre retailers can be a force for good, supporting local people and causes while delivering outstanding service for motorists. Initiatives such as this show that the industry can make a genuine difference and create value far beyond tyres alone.

“One of the strengths of the e-CENTRE programme is that it empowers retailers to make a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Seeing these donations translated into practical improvements that will benefit local people for years to come is exactly what the programme is all about.”

Bridgestone has committed more than £1 million to its e-CENTRE programme, with the initiative designed to help retailers embrace best practice and set new standards for the future of mobility.

www.venson.com

New research from Venson Automotive Solutions reveals that 62% of drivers say the introduction of Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) on electric cars will discourage them from switching, with almost a quarter (24%) confirming it will have a significant impact on their future purchase decisions.  The findings come as the Office for Budget Responsibility warns that the new tax and other budget measures could reduce EV sales by 120,000 vehicles between 2025/26 and 2030/31. 

The new Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) is an extension of the current Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) regime and will take effect from April 2028. It will require drivers to record their mileage with the DVLA, providing both an odometer reading and an estimate of their mileage for the coming year, with the resulting eVED charge payable alongside their existing VED payment. Actual mileage will then be reconciled against this estimate, using MOT records where available. The system is forecast to raise £1.9 billion for the Exchequer in 2030/31. While almost a quarter of the motorists Venson surveyed support the introduction of eVED, 46% consider it unfair.  

Although Government has introduced arrangements intended to simplify compliance for leasing and rental businesses, including the ability to estimate vehicle mileage centrally, it does acknowledge that the administrative impact could be material for some businesses, particularly large fleets. Unsurprisingly, 26% of drivers believe the practical implications of eVED will make claiming business travel expenses significantly more difficult.

Simon Staton, Client Management Director at Venson Automotive Solutions, comments: “The negative reaction to eVED is hardly surprising. The fact that almost two-thirds of drivers say they are put off switching to an electric car because of the tax should ring alarm bells for policy makers. 

“Fleet has spearheaded the road to electric, helped by attractive BiK rates. Yet, just as fleets are driving EV adoption, the sector is now rewarded with only a two-year window to incorporate an incredibly complex vehicle mileage reporting system into their day-to-day operations to comply with eVED. 

“At such a crucial point where Government is trying to encourage more people to switch to electric, the introduction of eVED risks upsetting the apple cart, not just with retail buyers, but with crucial fleet stalwarts who have long been the frontrunner in the drive to electric.” 

July 2026 — New data from Purbeck Insurance Services, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance for SME owners, reveals that applications for personal guarantee-backed finance rose 63% year-on-year in Q2 2026, reflecting sustained and growing demand for borrowing among small and medium-sized businesses. Behind every loan application is a director who has personally guaranteed a business loan and the scale of that exposure is growing as Purbeck’s data shows the average loan value exceeded £300,000 for the second consecutive quarter.

Highlights

• 63% year-on-year rise in Personal Guarantee Insurance applications in Q2 2026
• Average loan value £317,000 — above £300,000 for the second consecutive quarter
• Start-ups now borrowing more than established businesses — average start-up loan reaches £345,000, the first time in a year
• Working capital accounts for 36.2% of all borrowing — more than one in three applications
• Working capital loans have almost doubled in two years 
• Growth-focused borrowing makes up 20% of all applications despite economic headwinds
• Asset purchase, development and acquisition together account for nearly one in four applications

Working capital crisis driving borrowing surge

Working capital — the day-to-day funding needed to keep a business trading — remains the single biggest driver of personal guarantee-backed borrowing, accounting for 36.2% of all Q2 2026 applications and the volume of working capital loans has almost doubled in just two years. The trend points directly to the cashflow pressure bearing down on UK SMEs: 40% of trading businesses reported rising input costs in April 2026 — the highest proportion since December 2022, according to the ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey.

The picture is not, however, one of businesses simply firefighting. Finance for investment in growth initiatives accounted for 20% of all applications — the second most common reason for borrowing. Businesses are also seeking finance for asset purchase, development and acquisition, which together account for nearly one in four of all applications. The breadth of borrowing purposes suggests that SME owners are balancing short-term cashflow pressures with continued longer-term investment, even in a difficult environment.

• a simpler route to adapted vehicle ownership;
• one trusted provider to manage both the vehicle purchase and adaptation process;
• greater flexibility through finance or outright ownership; and
• expert guidance throughout the customer journey.

New consumer research^[1] commissioned by Bridgestone found that 26% of motorists say they will never buy an EV, up significantly from 17% in 2025 and marking a return to levels seen in 2024. Meanwhile, just 16% plan to purchase an electric vehicle within the next 12 months.

The findings suggest that despite the increasing presence of EVs on UK roads, many of the concerns that have surrounded electric motoring for years remain firmly entrenched.

Battery longevity and replacement costs continue to top the list of worries, cited by 55% of respondents. Half of motorists are concerned about the cost of charging an EV, while 44% remain worried about vehicle range and the initial purchase price.¹

Charging infrastructure also continues to be a sticking point, with 43% believing there are still not enough charging points available. In addition, 41% expressed concerns about the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle.¹

Despite the hesitancy, the longer-term outlook remains more positive, with more than half (53%) of motorists saying they expect to buy an EV within the next five years, while a further 7% remain undecided.¹

Drew Chapman, North Region Consumer Sales Director at Bridgestone, believes the findings highlight the importance of continuing to support motorists as the transition to electrification gathers pace.

“Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on our roads, but our research shows that many drivers still have genuine questions and concerns about making the switch,” he said.

“While some of the barriers are gradually reducing, issues such as battery life, charging costs and infrastructure remain front of mind for many motorists. The industry has made significant progress, but it’s clear there is still work to do in building confidence among consumers.”

Bridgestone continues to support the transition to electric mobility through its range of ‘EV Ready’ tyres, designed to meet the specific demands of all vehicles. Its Turanza 6 tyre is an ideal solution, which has been developed to deliver a balance of efficiency, safety and long wear life. The premium all-season tyre is an example of Bridgestone’s ‘EV-ready’ advances, making it suitable for both combustion engine and electric vehicles.

Drew added: “Whether drivers are behind the wheel of an EV, hybrid or conventional vehicle, they want products they can trust. Our focus is on helping motorists get the very best from their vehicles today while supporting the mobility solutions of tomorrow.”

Bridgestone’s ‘EV Ready’ range forms part of the company’s wider commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and its global E8 Commitment, including the pillar of Ecology, which focuses on advancing sustainable tyre technologies and solutions.

For more information on Bridgestone’s EV Ready products, visit https://www.bridgestone.co.uk/stories/sustainability/Bridgestone-EV-Tyres

As YouGov research reveals one in five Brits (19%) plan to holiday in the UK this year, the question is whether the family car will be up to a long distance drive for the summer staycation. With SMMT data reporting that 45.7% of the UK car parc was aged over 10 years in 2025, and the average car is 9.7 years old, vehicle reliability could be a big concern as families start packing for the holiday journey.

The other challenge for the summer get-away is that the family vehicle that’s fine for getting to work, the shops or school doesn’t have the capacity for all the luggage, bikes, games and pets– as well as granny and grandad.

Renting a car that’s fit for purpose for the family get-away could be the answer which is why Europcar is providing top tips on how to have the best rental experience this summer.

Getting the booking right

• Flexibility could deliver significant savings – so it’s worth checking multiple dates, times and vehicle size options to find the best price
• Know what you’re paying for – check what is and is not included in the rate quoted up front
• What are the extras – are there additional booking fees, excess waiver charges in case of damage, post-rental cleaning fees or excess mileage charges?

Picking up the vehicle

• Don’t forget to take your driving licence and DVLA Share code when you collect the vehicle
• You will also need to bring a payment card in the lead driver’s name for the security deposit. Check the rental company’s terms and conditions regarding whether they accept debit cards; some don’t for Premium vehicles
• At pick up, check the vehicle condition carefully and take photos to compare with end of rental photos – tell staff if you spot any damage not detailed in the rental paperwork

On the journey

• If your journey includes toll roads or paid parking, remember to pay any applicable charges in line with local requirements
• Keep important contact details somewhere easy to find in case of an emergency – breakdown or accident assistance, the rental station where the vehicle was collected. Europcar’s Assistance App makes that easy

Returning the vehicle

• Fill up the vehicle – or charge it up if it’s an EV – as near to the rental station as possible
• When you return the car, double check you’ve got all your belongings and haven’t left rubbish or mess in the vehicle that would take longer than usual to clean
• Do a thorough walk-around of the vehicle before handing back the keys and take photos to compare with the start of rental photos
• Tell the rental staff if there is any new damage

Twelve representatives from leading retail networks and wholesalers including Merityre, Tanvic Tyres, ETS and GT Wholesale, recently completed the immersive three-day initiative, which is now in its fourth successive year.

The Bridgestone Champions programme has become a cornerstone of the company’s pledge to invest in its customers, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to become ambassadors within their own businesses.

The latest intake benefited from a packed agenda covering relationship building, retail marketing, communication skills, telephone best practice and face-to-face selling techniques, before turning their attention to technical knowledge and the future of mobility.

Day three saw delegates visit the Delphi Academy in Warwick, one of Europe’s largest IMI-approved automotive training centres, where they gained expert insights into electric vehicles, hybrid technology and advanced diagnostics.

Mark Fereday, Senior Trade Marketing Manager, North Region, said the programme was about much more than product knowledge alone. “The Bridgestone Champions programme continues to evolve and we’re delighted to see it going from strength to strength in its fourth year,” he said.

“We want every participant to leave with the confidence and knowledge to make a real difference within their own business. Whether it’s improving the customer experience, strengthening relationships or understanding the technologies shaping the future of mobility, the programme is designed to help our partners thrive.

“The visit to the Delphi Academy was a particular highlight and gave delegates the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leading technical experts. As vehicles continue to evolve, it’s vital that we continue to invest in people and ensure that our partners are equipped for the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

Dan Mould from Merityre said: “It’s been a really positive experience and we’ve learned a lot. We’ll be sharing a lot of what we’ve learned to make the customer experience even better.”

Meanwhile, Joanne Harrod from ETS, who works on reception at her depot, said the programme had provided valuable knowledge that would enable her to offer even more informed recommendations to customers based on their individual driving requirements.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative has once again been the camaraderie between participants, with colleagues from different businesses sharing experiences and best practice throughout the three days.

Mark added: “What always stands out is the collaboration. Despite representing different networks and businesses, there is a real willingness among everyone to learn from one another and share ideas. That spirit of togetherness is one of the reasons the programme has been such a success over the past four years.”

The latest Q2 2026 Bridgestone Champions instalment will be followed by two identical programmes in quarter three and four. Any Bridgestone customers interested in finding out more and attending either, email alison.walker@bridgestone.eu

The new-look website, which is now live, features a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo, an updated colour scheme and a streamlined customer journey designed to minimise clicks and reduce confusion for visitors.

A key objective of the redesign was to improve the way customers search for leasing deals. Visitors can now browse vehicles using a wide range of criteria, including make, model, body type, budget, in-stock availability and electric vehicles, making it easier than ever to find a suitable lease agreement.

The website also introduces a dedicated Leasing Guide Hub, offering educational content designed to help customers better understand the leasing process and make informed decisions.

Built on a new content management system (CMS), the platform also provides Leasecar’s team with greater flexibility to create and update content in response to customer demand, ensuring the website remains relevant and user-focused.

Since launch, the website has demonstrated strong early performance, with increased site traffic.

Gareth Roberts, strategy director at Central Contracts, said: “The new website is clean, fresh and, above all else, simpler for customers to navigate, which was our primary objective. We’ve also ensured that customers have access to a comprehensive range of information and search tools, enabling them to find the right leasing deal for their needs quickly.”

“We recognise the importance of a user-friendly customer journey, which is why we’ve simplified navigation, reduced the use of industry jargon and presented information much more clearly than before. We’ve worked hard to make key actions, such as submitting an enquiry or completing an application, as straightforward and transparent as possible.”

“It’s now extremely simple to find exactly what you’re looking for at Leasecar.”

With almost 30 years of experience in the vehicle leasing industry, Leasecar has built a reputation for delivering expert guidance and competitive leasing solutions to customers across the UK.

Gareth added: “We hope our longstanding presence within the industry and our continued commitment to delivering exceptional service will inspire confidence in both existing and future customers.”

For more information go to: https://leasecar.uk/

Almost three out of four motorists (72%) say the state of UK roads make them less likely to keep local and national politicians in power, new research shows.

May’s Startline Used Car Tracker indicates that 48% think potholes are a constant source of irritation when driving, 36% that the state of UK roads is embarrassing and 32% are worried about resulting damage to their car.

Also, 28% believe they pay enough tax that our roads should be in good condition and 23% that potholes are a good measure of whether politicians can solve other problems.

However, 15% believe potholes are a result of decades of underinvestment in roads and 12% that there are more important factors influencing their vote.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “We asked this question following recent comments from the RAC showing they had been called out to three times the number of pothole-related incidents compared to last year thanks to poor weather. It seemed to us that the state of UK roads was such an unavoidable, everyday topic, that it would be interesting to find out how motorists thought it reflected on those is power.

“The answer, unavoidably, is badly. Our research shows potholes appear to be one of the ways that a clear majority of people measure the effectiveness of politicians and, if they feel that no progress is being made, are less likely to vote for them in the future.

“Of course, the Labour government has allocated quite large sums of money to improving the pothole situation but, with the effects of poor weather seen over this winter on already damaged roads, they are chasing an escalating problem.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker also asked whether people were confident that local and national government would have noticeably improved the pothole situation by the end of this decade, with 51% agreeing.  

Paul said: “Given the level of irritation or even anger indicated in the responses to our other questions, this is perhaps a surprising degree of optimism. However, the only sensible interpretation is that around half of people retain a high degree of faith that politicians will have made an impact on the situation within a few years.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 309 consumers and 62 dealers were questioned.

About the Startline Used Car Tracker

The Startline Used Car Tracker was launched in April 2022 to produce essential attitudinal data about the used car sector over time. Each month, it asks consumers about their propensity to buy, fuel choices and the factors that will affect used car purchases, as well as questioning dealers about their feelings regarding the prospects of the market, the challenges facing them and their online offering.

The research is carried out for Startline by APD Global Research, well known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs.

About Startline Motor Finance

Founded in 2013, Startline is one of the UK’s leading motor finance companies, providing flexible solutions to around half of the top 50 franchise dealers and 70% of the top 50 independent car retailers measured by turnover, as well as accounting for more than 2% of the motor finance market by volume.

It aims to deliver market-defining levels of customer service, compliance, innovation and insight. The company is headquartered in Glasgow where it employs more than 200 people and has a comprehensive sales presence throughout the whole of the UK.