Weight restrictions have been eased on a type of tire that helps truckers save money and fuel.

The BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure has made changes effecting what are called wide-base single tires.

Dave Earl, President of the BC Trucking Association says his members have wanted the change for several years.

“They take the place of two tires simply by having one wider, flat-profile tire on each side of the axle.”

He says a number of studies have shown significant cost savings.

“What we’ve seen with studies that BCTA members have done in the past, they’ve seen anywhere between a 5 and 8 per cent fuel savings. We’ve seen other studies that range between 3 and 7 per cent and with our members it seems to average out around 6 per cent.”

Earl says technology has improved and engineers with the province are now convinced the tires are safe for bigger loads, and won’t cause additional wear and tear on public road infrastructure.

The government move to allow heavier trucks to use the tires means trucks equipped with them can carry bigger loads and make fewer trips, decreasing overall greenhouse gas emissions.