Several options for developing countries to tackle their acute and complex air pollution and air quality problems have recently been described in detail. This paper considers how best to prioritise these options to maximise their benefits at minimum cost, and attempts to assess the possible contribution of changes in transport fuel type and quality. Strategies to reduce vehicle pollution, or maintain it at acceptable levels, will require a multifaceted approach, carefully prioritised for maximum effectiveness. The priorities for action are: (1) vehicle inspection and maintenance (I and M) strategies; (2) transport planning and traffic management programmes; (3) improved vehicle technology for emission control; and (4) fuel selection. Types of fuels that should be considered for selection include traditional fuels, `product quality' parameter-related reformulated fuels, major reformulations of fuels (probably too costly), alternative fuels (requiring long lead times), indigenous resources, and liquid biomass fuels (biofuels). In developing an emission control strategy, it is important to consider current and future local air quality, emission sources and their contributions, the costs and benefits of available emission control options, and the local economy's ability to support emission controls.
Samenvatting