Old tyres have been used in the asphalt mix on Canrobert Street in London’s Bethnal Green area, laid by city council contractors at the end of January. The council has been working with UK supplier Tarmac, the company behind new technology which introduced rubber crumb from waste tyres mixed into asphalt to create a sustainable material for road surfaces. It is laid at a lower temperature, which means roads can be re-opened quicker with up to 10% less carbon dioxide emissions, improved site safety, reduced fumes and less risk of burns to workers.
City mayor John Biggs said the council is “keen to explore all ideas” that will reduce impact on the environment and reiterates that the rubber-asphalt mix will provide a safe surface with lower emissions and disruption during the laying process.
Tarmac National Director Brian Kent also said: “Used tyres remain a significant and overlooked waste stream and our innovative rubber modified asphalts offer a more sustainable option for local roads.
“It’s fantastic to see Tower Hamlets (the city) taking the lead in London and delivering environmental savings by leveraging this new technology and unlocking the benefits of a circular economy.”
Tower Hamlets Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral authority by 2025.