Breath of fresh air at free pumps

LUCKY . . . motorist Ken Donnelly (left) with Mark Fereday, from First Stop

LUCKY motorists arrived at petrol pumps to find free fill-ups on offer as part of a safety drive to educate drivers on the link between tyre pressure and fuel economy.

Staff from Shaw Tyres & Exhausts rolled up at Crompton Way filling station to give motorists a surprising helping hand by paying for their fuel.

Ken Donnelly, who has worked as a taxi driver for Cartax Radio Cars, Lees, for more than 20 years, was among those who benefited from the unexpected gesture.

The 63-year-old, of Oldham, clocks up some 30,000 miles a year in his Skoda Octavia and so the £50 tank of fuel was much appreciated.

He also received a Bridgestone T-shirt and other goodies.

He said: “As a taxi driver, I’m always out on the roads and therefore a frequent visitor to the petrol pumps.

“The free tank was a very welcome gift.”

Drivers were also given valuable money-saving advice as part of the initiative.

A Europe-wide study conducted by the FIA Foundation, on behalf of Bridgestone Tyres, showed that 38 per cent of drivers have under-inflated tyres, contributing an additional 12 million tonnes of CO2 into the environment through higher fuel consumption.

Dan Woodward, from First Stop, which runs Shaw Tyres & Exhausts, said: “Drivers need to know that ignoring their tyre pressure checks can have a financial impact — we really want to get this message through and thought this surprise visit to forecourts might just do the trick!

“For those drivers who do not want to do their own tyre checks, we would encourage them to take five minutes to visit a garage and ask for a free tyre tread and pressure check. This will not only make their motoring more environmentally friendly but also save them money.”

The generous gesture at the pumps launched a nationwide First Stop promotion to win a whole year’s worth of fuel.

During February, March and April, customers purchasing two or more Bridgestone or Firestone tyres are entered into a free prize draw.