Safer and quieter tyres trialled on Bedfordshire test track

From November this year car owners will have a big helping hand in keeping themselves safe in their cars. New 'safety ratings' systems are being given to tyres so people know what they're buying.

Tyre manufacturers from around the world have been testing their products at the Millbrook proving ground in Bedfordshire before the system comes into place.

Having the right tyres on your car can affects fuel consumption, road noise and how long it takes us to stop. The tyres are being tested at Millbrook, south of Bedford, as part of the an annual event held by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It's ahead of the introduction of a compulsory labelling system for tyres which comes into force in November. It works in a similar way to the energy ratings on household white goods giving the tyres a grading based on how fuel efficient it is, how they grip the road and how much noise they make.

There are 35 million cars on our roads and the number is growing. Manufacturers know that safety is a big selling point. The compulsory ratings stickers which every tyre will bear later this year will help consumers more information when weighing up costs against safety.

• Millbrook proving ground was built in the 1960s by Vauxhall and Bedford based at nearby Luton

• 2,600,000 cubic yards of earth were moved to sculpt the necessary track features

• The track was owned by Group Lotus 1988-93

• It's one of the largest proving grounds in Europe with test carried out every type of land vehicle, from motorcycles and passenger cars to heavy commercial, military and off-road vehicles

• The two-mile long high-speed track has hills of varying gradients and sharp corners

• The track has been used for television programmes and feature films like the James Bond film Casino Royale