All 10 NHS ambulance services in England have signed a first-choice policy, alongside those of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland – each agreed under the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Supply and Fit Tyres framework.

The Crown Commercial Service supports public bodies, including the emergency services, to save money and achieve commercial benefits, including on tyre purchases and fitting.

Jonathan Layton, Michelin’s head of fleet, said: “By fitting Michelin, ambulance services are benefiting from tyres which deliver the optimum blend of performance over a long life, reducing fleet operating costs and the downtime associated with tyre replacement.

“We’re very proud to be first-choice fitment – and to know our tyres are helping save lives around the country every single day.”

NHS Ambulance fleets fit a cross-section of tyres from the Michelin range to cars, 4x4s and light commercials. This includes growing numbers of Michelin CrossClimate+ tyres – the manufacturer’s summer tyre with winter capabilities.

Michelin CrossClimate+ tyres have won particular praise from blue light services since their 2015 launch, with North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust becoming one of the latest fleets to fit the tyres across its 160-strong ‘rapid response’ paramedic fleet.

Under the first-choice policy, national tyre and vehicle maintenance provider ATS Euromaster handles the tyre distribution and fitting requirements of all 10 English NHS ambulance services, alongside those of Wales and Scotland.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Health and Social Care Trust’s tyre requirements are managed under a separate agreement with Modern Tyre Group.