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Why this study matters
More than 96% of the European population was exposed to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guideline limit in 2022 .Road transport is a primary source of particulate matter in urban areas.
As exhaust emissions decrease, non-exhaust emissions (NEEs) – particles from brake, tyre and road wear – are now a dominant source of urban particulate matter (PM).
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Non-exhaust emissions snapshot:
of Europe’s population was exposed to PM2.5 above WHO limits
exceeded safe levels for PM10 exposure
of brake wear becomes airborne, worsening air quality
of tyre wear becomes airborne; the rest pollutes road dust, water and soil
5× greater reduction in NEE
from shifting travel to public transport vs. electrification alone
London as a case study
London served as the core case study to assess policy and technical interventions to reduce NEE. A simulation using the London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (LAEI 2019) baseline was run to estimate projected particulate matter (PM) emissions through to 2050.
Several scenarios were modelled and evaluated using a cost-benefit analysis for scenarios one, two, and three assuming only technical interventions and using a benefit analysis for scenarios four, five, and six, which explore changes related to travel behaviour and vehicle choice.
The benefit analysis revealed that shifting travel behaviour from cars to public transport delivers up to five times greater PM emission reductions than fleet electrification alone (excluding the benefits of electrification for exhaust emissions).
Support innovation in new technological solutions necessary to meet the new Euro 7 brake and tyre particle emission limits.
Promote wear-resistant components and materials among the existing vehicle fleets.
The tool visualises the emissions modelling behind the study. Developed by e:misia, it uses the London fleet composition, emission factors, and six scenarios to estimate PM emissions through 2050.
London is used as a case study, but the tool is applicable to other European cities.
