The Transport Systems Centre (TSC) at the University of South Australia, was commissioned to conduct a comprehensive review of current relationships between congestion and emissions and noise on urban roads. The methodology adopted for the review included an extensive literature search (including online catalogues and the Internet), liaison with practitioners, and the application of considerable in-house expertise and knowledge. The review reported on 21 emission and air quality models and 35 noise models from all over the world. The general findings of the study show that there are large deficiencies in the knowledge of the relationships between air emissions, noise and congestion. These deficiencies mainly arise due to the lack of suitable and extensive databases on vehicle noise and emissions for various vehicle operating modes (acceleration, deceleration, cruise and idle). Acceleration plays a highly significant role in emissions modelling as evidenced from the Biggs-Akcelik, TSC and MODEM models and this is also true for noise emissions where interrupted flow occurs. The study recommends that databases of vehicle noise and air emissions be compiled for a diverse range of operating modes and operating speeds and rates with an emphasis on on-road data. (A)
Abstract