Pressemeddelelse fra VTI, Statens väg- och transportforskningsinstitut
Microplastics from tyre and road wear constitute one of the very largest sources of global microplastic pollution. In Sweden, tyre wear alone is estimated to cause more than half of all microplastic pollution, and it amounts to around 1.3 million tonnes tyre wear particles in the EU. The Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) has produced the most extensive mapping to date on potential policy instruments and measures against microplastics from tyre and road wear.
“Examples of three ways to reduce the emission of microplastic particles from road traffic are to develop tyres that can withstand wear better, check that the tyres have the correct air pressure, and regularly check wheel settings to ensure the wheels run parallel with each other. We know from other studies that the extent of tyre wear can vary a lot between different tyres,” says Mikael Johannesson, research director at VTI and one of the authors.
The increasing road traffic means increased emissions of tyre and road wear particles. A transition to electrical vehicles on roads does not solve the problems with emissions of microplastics.
“Limiting road traffic, for instance with taxes and fees, and using EcoDriving techniques, for example avoiding forceful acceleration, will reduce microplastic pollution. This will also bring positive effects such as reduced emissions of air pollutants, reduced noise and reduced climate impact,” Mikael Johannesson continues.
The aim of the research report is to identify potential policy instruments and measures that can reduce microplastic pollution of the environment caused by tyre and road wear, and to assess which policy instruments and measures should be prioritised for in-depth investigation or knowledge-building. The report covers policy instruments and measures that reduce emissions, spread and effects of microplastic particles from tyres and road markings in the environment, as well as those that contribute to increasing knowledge in the field.
The researchers have described 58 potential policy instruments and measures. For most of them, more knowledge is needed before concrete proposals can be developed or implemented. However, 20 of them have been assessed to be of special interest and have been given high priority for further investigation.
The focus of the report is on policy instruments and measures that will help reduce the generation and emissions of tyre wear particles. However, it also included other aspects, such as wear on road markings. The strong focus on tyres is motivated by the fact that tyre wear is by far the largest source of microplastics from road traffic and that it is generally most effective to take action at the source.
“By changing our behaviour, we can all reduce microplastic pollution. But voluntary measures will hardly be sufficient; policy instruments are also needed at different levels, not least at EU level,” says Mikael Johannesson.
Insufficient knowledge means it is not possible to assess the risks of microplastics for the environment and human health, and thereby not either the need for action. A considerable part of the policy instruments is, therefore, about promoting research that increases knowledge. It is mainly these policy instruments that are proposed currently. However, the researchers also feel that there is a need for preventive action and mention three reasons for this: 1) Emissions caused by wear on tyres and roads are large and increasing; 2) It is likely that the particles have low degradability and are accumulating in the environment; and 3) The particles themselves and hazardous substances in them may have negative effects on organisms. The need for measures to combat microplastics has been put forward by, among others, the European Commission’s Scientific Council. This is also in line with the precautionary principle.
The report has been produced within the framework of a multi-year Swedish government commission on microplastics from road traffic.
Kontakt:
Mikael Johannesson tlf.: +468-555 770 34 email: mikael.johannesson@vti.se
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