Taxi Driver Online

Addison Lee warns of technology-led safety complacency




Tyres and driver training should not be overlooked when considering road safety in the context of more technological solutions, London’s leading minicab business Addison Lee states. Addison Lee’s head of fleet Rob Daniels, who looks after 5,000 vehicles, says he embraces new technology but continues to focus on the foundations of strong fleets – driver training and tyres.

Daniels, who has implemented a Michelin-only tyre policy, said: “The last two years have seen the biggest shift in technology in vehicles – more than in all of the rest of my time in the motor industry put together. From hybrid and plug-in technology to park assist steering, there have been so many new developments because we are living in a much more health and safety focused world.

“And yes, new technology is progress. But it must be used in addition to the basics that have stood the test of time, not instead of them.

“Ultimately, the most important factors that reduce accidents are the skill of the driver and the quality and condition of the tyres. It’s as simple as that.”

Fast-fit business Universal Tyres, a family-owned company that has looked after Addison Lee’s tyre supply since 2009, says that fleets are also missing out on huge levels of savings by focusing on the initial costs of tyres rather than the benefits they offer long-term.

Sales and marketing director, Simon Wright, says the tyre market in the UK is still heavily budget focused and does not look at tyres as a longer term investment: “People think the less they spend at the outset, the better – but it’s false economy because they end up paying more when the tyre wears more quickly or gets damaged.

“There are fleets today running new vehicles on budget tyres because they look at only the initial cost rather than the costs of the life of the tyre, the fuel saving potential, or the safety. That’s madness because the tyres are the only thing that keeps a car on the road.

“Of course it’s easier for people to have a conversation around the cost of a tyre and nothing more, but conversations need to be much more focused about the benefits you get from premium tyres.”

Addison Lee, which in addition to minicabs, provides chauffeur services and van and bike couriers, began fitting Michelin tyres in 2013 following a three month trial.

source: http://www.tyrepress.com/2015/02/addiso ... mplacency/

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

makes a very good point,

vast majority of the cars round here are super budget ditchfinders or partworns.

W#nker.
Fit a budget tyre for £40 that does 10,000 miles or pay £80 for a Michelin that does 15,000, and hope you don't get an irrepairable puncture the next day !

You don't actually believe they're paying full whack do you? Plugging this tyre supplier and Michelin will be part of the deal

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http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I use Mitchelins.

Not because Addison Lee say so, but I find I get a lot more miles.

I had Michelin on my car when it was new and the fronts did 35000+ miles and the backs did 60k+. I'd never fit a budget tyre on my vehicle it's false economy imo and they didn't cost £80 either but they were definitely more than £40 I think they was £63

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

I'd agree with AL on the tyre matter. I use Michelins on my Skoda and have so far got over 50,000 miles on a set and they're still very legal. It works out at about 0.009p per mile for a set.

The way Addison Lee drive in London there hardly one to talk safety
speed u turns no indicators bunch of ass ****s

Yeah but they've got good tyres

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Note to self: Just because it pops into my head does NOT mean it should come out of my mouth!!

I'm quite surprised there's so much support for the brand name tyres, thought everyone would favour the cheaper option !

Personally, if I was doing lots of high speed motorway airport runs I'd choose a decent brand as well. However 99.9% of my driving is within built up areas at (less than) 30mph. Perhaps once a night I'll venture into a 40mph zone, so I don't see a need for expensive tyres.

On the same note all tyres have to comply with certain standards, so a budget tyre is unlikely to be any less safe than an expensive one - I'd even say that a budget tyre with a grip rating of 'A' is better than the most expensive brand name that's rated 'E', gripwise at least. And a tyre with better grip tends to wear out quicker as well due to the softer compound.

Since we have moved to decent tyres, we certainly don't buy as many.

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Grandad,

I once had some Yokohama's fitted to my car, I had to keep checking they were wearing down because I was certain they weren't wearing.

you missed a perfectly good kamikaze joke there ffs

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

20,000 on a set of Chinese ditch finders @ £60 per tyre or a branded tyre and done over 50,000 miles @ £75, it doesn't make sense to fit Chinese ditchfinders does it?

I'm not firing on all 4s today mate.