Electric cars are not the solution

If we really want to tackle particle pollution we need carbon-free electricity and, even better, walk or cycle over short distances

Will our streets be pollution free when the last petrol and diesel cars are sold in the UK in just over two decades time? Sadly not. This is for two main reasons. First, we will still have diesel lorries and buses. Second, electric cars still release particle pollution into the air from wearing tyres, brakes and road surfaces. Already more particle pollution comes from wear than from the exhausts of modern vehicles.

Related: The polluting effect of wear and tear in brakes and tyres