Much of the government’s focus has been on the reduction of emissions from vehicle exhausts but the government’s Clean Air Strategy 2019 report claims friction during driving also generates fine particles from brakes, tyres and the road surface.
The report from the Department of Health, Public Health England and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) claims that the proportion of total emissions from non-exhaust sources has increased because of action to reduce emissions from other sources, including vehicle exhaust emission standards.
Responses to the government’s recent call for evidence on tyre and brake wear are currently being analysed and will help shape policies to address the problem.
The Clean Air Strategy 2019 report states: “We will work with international partners to research and develop new standards for tyres and brakes to enable us to address toxic non-exhaust particulate emissions from vehicles which include micro plastics and can pollute air and water.”
“Crucial for reducing air pollution”
Speaking last year, transport minister, Jesse Norman said: “Particulate pollution from exhausts has been reduced substantially in recent years.
“But we must also take action to reduce the very serious pollution caused by the wear of tyres, brakes and roads.
“Tackling this issue is crucial for reducing air pollution.”
Environment minister, Thérèse Coffey said: “While we are all now well aware that fumes from the exhaust pipes on our cars can have a detrimental impact on human health, it is less well known that tiny particles that are released from our brakes and tyres also contribute to air pollution and can harm our precious marine life.”
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