Tower Hamlets Council worked with Tarmac to approved the new type of surface that uses rubber crumb from waste tyres mixed into asphalt.

Work recently began on Canrobert Street in Bethnal Green where 100 recycled tyres were mixed into a new road surface laid by council contractors JB Riney.

John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “It’s great to see innovative solutions to repurposing waste that could otherwise go to landfill or incineration.

“We were one of the first councils to declare a climate emergency and we’re keen to explore all ideas that can reduce our impact on the environment. This product will provide a safe surface with less emissions and disruption during the laying process.

“We want residents and businesses to think about how they can reduce their carbon footprint so it’s important we do our bit too.”

The introduction in Bethnal Green follows a successful trial on the M1 motorway.

The surface is laid at a lower temperature which means roads can be re-opened quicker with up to 10 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions, improved site safety, reduced fumes and less risk of burns to workers.

Brian Kent, national technical director at Tarmac, said: “Used tyres remain a significant and overlooked waste stream and our new, innovative rubber modified asphalts offer a more sustainable option for local roads.

“It’s fantastic to see the London Borough of Tower Hamlets taking the lead in the capital and delivering environmental savings by leveraging this new technology and unlocking the benefits of a circular economic approach.”