TRWP, data-access top ETRMA board agenda

Brussels – EU legislators are being targeted by public debate, which is leading institutions to seek short-term solutions for important issues, according to the European Tyre & Rubber Manufactuers’ Association.

Instead, Franco Annunziato, president of ETRMA, highlighted the “value of having evidence-based law-making, guided by robust science, as the only way to achieve the legislators’ targets.”

Speaking at an ETRMA board meeting in Brussels, Annunziato stressed the importance for the political debate to adopt a strong scientific approach, based on facts and solid knowledge.

A particular issue for the association concerns the current debate on tire and road wear particles (TRWP) in the environment – a complex issue, involving many variables and stakeholders.

In response, the ETRMA has initiated a cross-industry European TRWP platform to develop a shared understanding of the issues and joint approach to their mitigation.

In the area of digitisation, the ETRMA board highlighted the importance of service providers’ ability to access in-vehicle data and communicate with drivers/passengers.

Noting the road-safety implications, officials called on the European Commission to ensure undistorted access to in-vehicle data and permit the rise of different on-board application platforms.

Summarising, Fazilet Cinaralp, secretary-general of ETRMA, said: “This is an ambitious industry that has never turned away from its responsibilities.

“On the contrary. ETRMA wishes to remain a reliable, environmentally responsible and sustainable partner, involved in the future of safe mobility in Europe and globally.”