The effect of a local traffic plan on local air pollution was studied in a suburb of the city of Ghent (Belgium). Emissions on the original street network were compared with the future situation in which the speed limits and the traffic circulation are modified and two rejuvenated industrial sites attract new traffic. The results show that NOx concentrations in the area are dominated by a motorway whereas concentrations of PM2.5 are significantly higher along the major road leading to the city centre. This has important implications for the exposure of residents that shop or work there. Concentrations on opposite sides of street canyons were found to be significantly different. In addition, the concentrations at the façades are much higher than the “backyard” concentrations. Our new model predicts that air quality will improve significantly because of the implementation of the stricter European emission standards for new vehicles. Excluding this effect the local mobility plan has a (very small) detrimental effect on local air pollution. The potential effect of peoples behaviour on personal exposure to air pollution is much larger. (Author/publisher)
Abstract