Greater use of friction tyres sought in Helsinki metropolitan area

The cities of the Helsinki metropolitan area aim to significantly increase the share of non-studded winter tyres from the current level of approximately 40% to reduce street dust in spring, said an official press release on Tuesday.

The cities of the Helsinki metropolitan area and The Helsinki Region Environmental Services (Helsingin seudun ympäristöpalvelut-HSY) pointed out that the use of studded tyres increases street dust and reduces air quality.

Friction tyres generate considerably less street dust than studded tyres.

The authorities suggested that studded tyres should not be chosen automatically out of habit. Instead, motorists should reconsider their choice of winter tyres.

Winter tyres have developed, and friction tyres are a good option for motorists living in urban areas.

From the perspective of road safety, a safe and anticipatory driving style and the condition of the tyres are more important than the type of winter tyre.

Street dust levels in the air are highest during the spring street dust season, but dusty days also occur at other times during the winter tyre season when street surfaces are dry. Studded tyres heavily abrade the asphalt surface and are responsible for a large proportion of street dust.

“Studded tyres are the main source of street dust in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Replacing studded tyres with friction tyres improves air quality and reduces the adverse effects of street dust on health and general comfort,” said Nelli Kaski, Air Quality Expert of HSY.

The use of friction tyres has increased in the Helsinki metropolitan area in recent years. Annual winter tyre surveys conducted by Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa showed that an increasing number of motorists are choosing friction tyres instead of studded tyres.

“It is important for air quality that the share of friction tyres in traffic increases. Last winter, friction tyres accounted for approximately 47% of winter tyres in Espoo,” said Maria Myllynen, Head of Environmental Supervision Unit of the City of Espoo.

Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen also want to increase the use of friction tyres. In cooperation with the other cities, Espoo has produced a brochure that helps motorists compare friction tyres and studded tyres and choose the winter tyres that best suit their needs. The brochure will be distributed to vehicle inspection stations and tyre retailers across the Helsinki metropolitan area.

This autumn, campaigns by the cities of the Helsinki metropolitan area and HSY to promote the use of friction tyres will be seen and heard on city digital displays, in street advertising, on social media, in cinemas and on the radio, as well as at selected vehicle inspection stations and tyre retailers.