How Can You Help Reduce Non-Exhaust Emissions?

Firstly by signing our petition to prompt the government to investigate non-exhaust emissions and look at introducing policies to reduce them. Secondly by following some simple guidelines, this will not only improve your safety, but also reduce your fuel costs and carbon footprint.

Driving Style

Excessive braking and hard cornering will not only hurt your pocket but will also increase your non-exhaust emissions. Hard braking increases brake and tyre wear and hard acceleration increases tyre wear. Although some hard braking cannot be avoided (Emergency Braking), braking for traffic lights, roundabouts and other junctions can be reduced by reducing speed gradually instead of braking hard at the last minute.

Following these simple suggestions will reduce your non-exhaust emissions but also your fuel costs:

Drive at an appropriate speed: high speeds increase tyre wear and fuel consumption.
Think ahead: every time you stop and start, emissions are released. Slowing down earlier will help you avoid harsh braking.
Avoid over-revving as this will increase engine wear. Use your gears wisely: changing up a gear earlier will reduce your engine revs.
Avoid carrying unnecessary weight: do you need everything that’s stored in your boot? Reducing the weight of your vehicle will also improve your safety as the vehicle will stop quicker.
Share your journeys: reducing the number vehicles on the road will reduce congestion and braking. A car sharing scheme may operate in your area.
Secure loads: shed loads are pulverised by traffic and increase resuspension emissions.

Vehicle Maintenence

Make sure your vehicle is maintained regularly. Misaligned tyres and small leaks can increase non-exhaust emissions. Here are some suggestions which may help reduce atmospheric particle emissions: Tyre Pressures- under inflated tyres create more resistance when your vehicle is moving, increasing wear and fuel consumption. Check these regularly. Information regarding tyre pressures can be found here. Wheel Alignment and Balancing- this can be affected by hitting a pothole in the road, excessive wear to steering or suspension components or driving against a kerb. Information regarding wheel alignment can be found here. Regular Servicing- servicing your vehicle will help remove built up brake dust. Clean Your Vehicle- cleaning your wheels regularly will help remove built up dirt and dust. Some tyre retailers will carry out a tyre check for free. Click here for more details.

Help Educate Others

Do you have display space for a poster which advertises this website and increases awareness of air pollution and non-exhaust emissions? If you do, please contact Samantha Lawrence. Please put "poster request" in the subject line. Could you display an electronic poster on a display screen? The poster would be one PowerPoint slide which advertises this website and increases awareness of air pollution and non-exhaust emissions. If you do, please contact Samantha Lawrence. Please put "electronic poster request" in the subject line. Pass details of this website on to friends and colleagues and encourage them to sign our petition.

Additional Points

Report potholes and excessive road surface wear to your local council. Road surface wear is increased if the surface is already broken. Buy lighter vehicles: along with price, consider weight when purchasing a new vehicle. It will save you money in the long run and will reduce your braking time, thereby improving your safety.