Excessive brake disc wear - is the electric parking brake to blame?

My 2012 Volvo XC70 has covered 34,000 miles and just had its second annual service. The dealer reports the rear disc pads as 75% worn, and the discs as lipped. Although the Volvo has done the miles, I don't throw it about and I drive gently. The dealer suggests the electric parking brake may be responsible for the wear to the rear brakes. It is my habit, when waiting in traffic, to avoid dazzling cars behind with the Christmas tree brake lights, to knock the auto box into neutral and use the electric brake, which then automatically releases with a touch of throttle. Could this have caused the extra wear?
The culprit is usually the electric parking brake not releasing quickly enough. Best not to use it if the car is on a level surface.
Answered by Honest John on

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