BASIC safety policies, including examining tyres, may result in drivers becoming defensive and even aggressive, despite the checks being designed to keep them safe.

Fleet decision-makers have revealed that although regular assessments of vehicles are vital to avoid accidents, employees can feel the checks suggest they cannot be trusted.

Fleet managers speaking at a recent meeting of the Midlands division of the Association of Car Fleet Operators said the problem was compounded by widespread confusion over when to change tyres.

Although the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, some companies insist tyres are replaced at 2mm for safety and because of the high mileages drivers cover in a short space of time.

Other firms may insist on changes at up to 3mm tread depth.

But one fleet operator told the meeting: ‘The trouble is getting drivers to change tyres at all, even though it isn’t going to cost them anything.

‘I had a check carried out and some people became very aggressive, saying they didn’t need new tyres and wanting another check. I don’t understand that mentality. The problem isn’t the tyres, it is the drivers.’

Drivers may feel that tyre checks and being told to have rubber replaced could suggest they are ‘boy racers’.