Lambert adds: “If fleet managers and leasing companies make decisions based solely on the three criteria highlighted by the tyre labels, they could specify AA tyres that, for example, may last in the region of 5,000 miles because they have not taken account of longevity.”

From a safety point of view it’s also worth bearing in mind that dry braking and cornering are not currently part of the testing for the tyre labelling.

Research from Dresden University of Technology in Germany shows that 70% of accidents occur on dry roads and a quarter of accidents are said to happen on bends.

Whether the tyres are ‘fit for purpose’ also needs to be considered.

For example, a common complaint for a van fleet doing regular deliveries in urban areas is that drivers catch the tyres against the kerb.

For those fleets, sidewall reinforcement is a key factor.

Watts points out that having Kevlar in the sidewall of the tyre can reduce the amount of impact but that isn’t measured in the label.

And a tyre which has excellent rolling resistance may have a flimsy sidewall.

Fleet operators also need to disregard the results for winter tyres.

Robb explains: “They are designed to a completely different set of criteria requiring excellent grip on cold wet roads, slush, snow and ice.

"They have a deeper tread and a more detailed tread pattern so their rolling resistance will be greater than a comparable summer tyre, and they will be noisier.

“However, we do not compromise on the performance requirements of a winter tyre to meet a set of label values that are only valid for summer tyres.”

Practical issues also need to be considered. Mark Connor, operations director at Zenith, says it could be difficult for fleets to insist on only A or B rated tyres due to availability.

“Stocking will be a big issue,” he says. “21% of tyres are a distress purchase – as the result of a puncture – and in that situation the tyre choice will be open to what is held in stock on the day.”

He adds that there are so many tyres options that it is difficult for even the fast-fit giants to stock a full range.