Research and analysis

Measurement of emissions from brake and tyre wear

A research report on developing prototypes to measure brake and tyre wear emissions from road vehicles in real driving conditions.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 30 May 2023
• Last updated: 13 November 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Measurement of emissions from brake and tyre wear

PDF, 10.2 MB, 132 pages

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Measurement of emissions from brake and tyre wear phase 2

PDF, 20 MB, 238 pages

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Details

In February 2021, DfT began a research project to investigate ways in which we can measure and better understand the generation of non-exhaust emissions. This work was carried out in 2 phases.

Phase 1 

Released in May 2023, this focused on developing a prototype for brake and tyre wear particle measurement in real driving conditions.

Phase 2

Released in November 2025, this focused on taking the prototypes from phase 1 and testing them on vehicles both in the lab and on the road. A number of factors were explored to better understand their impacts on a non-exhaust emissions generation.

Study findings 

The study’s findings improve our understanding of tyre and brake wear emissions and how policy and legislation can be used to control them.

Published 30 May 2023

Last updated 13 November 2025 + show all updates

1. 13 November 2025

   Phase 2 report added.

2. 30 May 2023

   First published.