A DERBY MP is backing a campaign encouraging people to test the air pressure in their tyres.

Bob Laxton, MP for Derby North, is supporting Michelin's Fill Up With Air campaign, which visited Derby yesterday and will be in the city again today.

Michelin will be at Costco in Chaddesden throughout today so people can test their tyre pressures, fill up with air for free and get information about looking after their wheels.

The company found that motorists in the Midlands area are one of the worst offenders, with 44% found to be driving with dangerous or extremely dangerous tyres and an alarming nine per cent were driving with a puncture.

Mr Laxton said: "I very much support Michelin's Fill Up With Air tyre safety campaign.

"It should be of real concern to motorists in Derby and Derbyshire that drivers in the Midlands have one of the worst records of [poor tyre pressure].

"This means that, on our roads, such drivers are not just putting their own lives at risk but the lives of innocent motorists, passengers and pedestrians.

If this [encourages] drivers to take better care of their tyres then it will make a real impact in saving lives on our roads."