Technical Mystery dangling wire in wheel arch

[lycopersicum]

I just noticed a cut electrical cable zip tied to the brake line in my front wheel arch. It's one of two cables going to the wheel hub, it has a connector on the end and has been snipped off just after that. What is it?

There's nothing wrong functionally with the van.

On the photo it's the one with the corrugated conduit.

 

[Djscorchio]

Looks like the brake wear indicator has broken off, or the pads are (or have been worn so badly the wire has come off)

New pads usually come with a new wire and connector though some really cheap ones don't.

 

[lycopersicum]

Right. I can see the other end of the cable deep inside a recess on the brake assembly.
Funny enough I had my mechanic check the brake pads just two weeks ago...
Am I safe to ignore this until the brake pads actually need replacing?

 

[Djscorchio]

Assuming it is the wear indicator, then it's safe to drive until the pads need replacing, but remember the wear indicator light on the dash isn't going to work with the wire disconnected.

I've seen drivers keep driving with the indicator light on and then when the wire drops off claim it's fixed itself.