Air quality has improved significantly over recent
decades, but we recognise more needs to be done to
tackle all sources of pollution. The new Road to Zero
strategy has already set out a clear pathway
to zero tailpipe emissions and Government’s plans to
make the UK the best place in the world to build and
own an electric vehicle but it is also vital we also
look at the non-exhaust emissions that all road
vehicles can produce.
The call for evidence, which was first announced in the
new Clean Air
Strategy, will look at ways to address the impact
tyres and brakes have on air quality and our
environment and will help inform the design of future
policy.
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.
This call for evidence will help us to learn more
about how these particles are released as well the
actions we can take to reduce their impact. I
encourage anyone who has evidence or solutions to
share to get involved.
While we’re driving our vehicles, the brakes and tyres
produce tiny pieces of particulate matter – for example
dust and soot – that comes from general wear and tear.
These particles are left on our roads and when it rains
can be deposited into our sewers and oceans, leading to
harmful consequences to our marine wildlife and food
chains.
Transport Minister 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. We would urge anyone who has expertise in
this area to get involved and share their evidence
and views.
The government has worked with the University of
Plymouth to improve scientific understanding of the
impact these tiny particles and we estimate that
emissions from tyre wear may contribute as much as
5-10% to the total amount of plastic in our oceans. But
further research and data in this area is still
required which is why we have launched this call for
evidence to improve the evidence base both nationally
and globally.
The Call for
Evidence will run until 28 September 2018.
