22. The expert from the Netherlands presented an update of the project on labelling road surfaces (GRB-67-19), based on the following criteria: skid resistance, noise reduction, rolling resistance and lifespan. GRB recalled its view that labelling road surfaces could only be introduced as a non-legally binding document, e.g. a recommendation or resolution, and its intention to find the most appropriate body to adopt such a document. In this context, the Chair informed GRB about the AC.2 considerations of this issue, at its November 2017 session. The secretariat further reported that the Working Party on Road Transport (SC.1), at its September 2017 session, had indicated that the project was beyond the SC.1 Terms of Reference. The Chair invited the Netherlands, in cooperation with the Chair, secretariat and other interested parties, to draft a recommendation or resolution for consideration at the next session of GRB.

24. The expert from the Netherlands presented a project on labelling road surfaces (GRB-65-20, GRB-65-21, GRB-65-22 and Add.1) based on four criteria: skid resistance, noise reduction, rolling resistance and lifespan. According to the expert, labelling road surfaces could contribute to road safety, public health, sustainability and economics. GRB noted that the scope of the 1958 and the 1998 Agreements (wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts thereof) does not cover road surfaces and, therefore, no legally binding regulatory decisions could be taken at the WP.29, AC.1 or AC.3 levels. This does not preclude, however, adopting a Recommendation or Resolution on the issue. GRB welcomed the presentation and reiterated the importance of a holistic approach to sound emissions in the system ‘tyre-road surface’. Finally, GRB agreed to keep this item on the agenda and looked forward to new presentations on activities conducted at the national level in the field of road surfaces.