STRANDED women fleet drivers confident that a passing male motorist would stop and help them change a tyre should think again – particularly if they break down in Bristol.

A roadside study on chivalry carried out by Continental Tyres in five cities in England and Wales found that not one motorist stopped to offer help in Bristol within two hours of the staged breakdown using a woman in her mid-20s.

However, in Newcastle, two police officers stopped to help within 10 minutes and a further 12 people then stopped within two hours.

The findings have prompted Continental to urge company motorists to spend five minutes learning how to change a tyre.

A spokeswoman said: ‘Although the exercise was a bit of fun there is an important underlying safety message for women motorists. If you get into a situation where you need to change a tyre on your car, you can’t always rely on being able to ask for help.

‘You need to take responsibility for your tyres. Regular checks on their condition, pressure and depth can help avoid a potentially dangerous breakdown.’