In Wellington using snow and regular tyres on the same vehicle will be banned from April 2010, Transport Minister Steven Joyce says.

Reports have identified that at least four deaths since January 2007 where due to a combination of winter / snow, and other tyres being contributing factors.

Mixing tyres make vehicles difficult to control in wet conditions and during hard braking. Therefore all four tyres should be the same type of tyre as each other for the best road safety.

The new standards will also specify a greater minimum tread depth for winter tyres.

"Winter tyres have safety benefits but they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.