Motorists across Shropshire are turning to an alternative way to save petrol as many suffer following a massive hike in the cost of fuel.

Despite the country's biggest supermarkets announcing price cuts after a drop in the cost of oil the cost of petrol and diesel has forced thousands of people to look at alternative transport to ensure their tanks last longer.

But a county tyre firm says many drivers are taking a different route and looking more closely at the care of their tyres which can have a massive impact on safety, the lifespan of the tyre and the fuel economy of the car.

Andy Lawrence, of Hometyre Mobile Tyre Services based in Edgebold, near Shrewsbury, said having well maintained tyres could save motorists hundreds of pounds.

He said: "According to tyre manufacturer, Michelin, 20 per cent of a car's fuel consumption, or one tank in every five, is used to overcome the rolling resistance of tyres. 

"Low tyre pressures increase this resistance force, leading to increased fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and tyre wear.

"Now that fuel prices are so high we are being contacted by lots of people who believe they can cut costs with a new set of tyres."

Mr Lawrence said that, for safety reasons, tyres should be checked regularly.

"Checking your tyres for splits, cracks, bulges and punctures should be done every time you intend to drive your car," he added.

"Sometimes people notice things but don't do anything about it because they have somewhere to be, but we travel to our customers at their home or workplace and change tyres while they work so there's no reason to be driving a car with unfit tyres."