Ah, thanks. That makes more sense!

Thank you Big John ... unfortunately David Ross's reply to the questioner in the HJ column, although technically correct, was quite unhelpful.

"For the 48 areas where you will require winter tyres, anything that is identified by a “M+S”, “M.S” or “M&S” marking on the sidewall is acceptable as a winter tyre."

He fails to clarify that the "48 areas" are in the mountainous regions of France and that it is not a blanket (!) requirement for the whole country.

I know that we can have four seasons in one day but I think it is something the UK government should consider.

I've allways thought winter tyres are a waste of money in this country for low mileage drivers who don't go out on the zero to three days a year when the roads are snowy and hardly ever stray from salted roads. However, many years ago I bought an old set of wheels - £60 from ebay- for SWMBO's Focus for ease of swapping her summers for winters. But for myself, frequently needing to drive on non-main roads and uncleared residential streets, an Audi with a large engine and heavy autobox over the front driven wheels clawed me out of all snowy challenges.