A new report indicates that European cities need to do more than switch to electric vehicles to combat air pollution. The EIT Urban Mobility report highlights that emissions from tire and brake wear are significant contributors to air pollution, posing health risks comparable to exhaust fumes.

The report, conducted by EIT Urban Mobility, emphasizes the impact of tire, road, and brake wear on air quality in European cities. These non-exhaust emissions release particles considered as harmful as traditional exhaust fumes.

The report suggests that shifting from private cars to public transportation results in a fivefold greater reduction in non-exhaust emissions compared to switching to electric cars. Line Barfod, Copenhagen’s Technical and Environmental Mayor, interprets the report as a call for reducing the number of cars in Copenhagen and promoting cycling. “We must do everything we can as a municipality to ensure cleaner air,” Barfod stated, emphasizing the need to create a safer environment for children, cyclists, and pedestrians. She acknowledged that transitioning away from fossil fuel cars is a positive step but insufficient due to ongoing particle pollution from tires and brakes.

Although the report focuses on measurements in London, EIT Urban Mobility believes its findings are applicable to other European cities. Lasse Schelde, IDA’s political chief consultant for green mobility, calls for innovative solutions, suggesting the development of low-emission brakes and exploring measures like lowered speed limits to reduce tire wear. Schelde stressed the importance of engineers and researchers developing new materials and solutions to prevent the green transition from causing new health problems.