Abstract
The city of Lisbon, like many others in the EU region, introduced a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) as a tool for improving air quality in its city centre. This kind of emission reduction schemes is always controversial since it might lead to significant changes in the daily behaviours of its inhabitants. In order to evaluate the effects of the measure, an estimation of the impact of the introduction of the Lisbon LEZ was performed. Real traffic counting and fleet characterization combined with CORINAR-based emission inventory methodology allowed to estimate the impacts of three different scenarios applied to the “business as usual” condition (current vehicle fleet) ranging from “no circulation from non- compliant vehicles” to an “aggressive fleet renewal”. Results highlight the high percentage of atmospheric emissions of PM10 and NOx that might result from certain fleets like taxis and buses, especially because there was an emphasis in standardized/normalized estimations (emissions per 1000 vehicles) in order to allow different strategic approaches. The total reduction of PM10 emissions associated to each scenario vary between 6 ton.year-1 (scenario 2) and 8 ton.year-1 (scenario 1), or 25% and 34% less emissions. In terms of NOxemission reductions vary between 6 ton.year-1 (scenario 2) and 57 ton.year-1 (scenario 1), or 1% and 7% less emissions. The Lisbon LEZ is therefore much more efficient in reducing PM10 emissions compared to NOx. Major reduction in PM10 and NOx emissions are to be expected with a moderate intervention in the (relatively old) taxi fleet in Lisbon while for passenger cars the impact is limited. However in absolute terms and due to its urban mileage passenger cars should also continue being included in Lisbon LEZ. Simultaneously, an effort in the increase of dedicated lanes for public transport should be made, for further reductions in PM10 and NOx emissions.
Highlights
The highest probability of employment, higher variety of medical care, educational services and multiple cultural programs, associated to a higher education level are pushing countries populations to their cities
In terms of NOx emission reductions vary between 6 ton·year−1 and 57 ton·year−1, or 1% and 7% less emissions
The Lisbon Low Emission Zone (LEZ) is much more efficient in reducing PM10 emissions compared to NOx
Summary
The highest probability of employment, higher variety of medical care, educational services and multiple cultural programs, associated to a higher education level are pushing countries populations to their cities. Related issues in mind, a Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment has been published by the European Commission [4] with the objective of contributing to “a better quality of life through an integrated approach concentrating on urban areas” and “to a high level of quality of life and social well-being for citizens by providing an environment where the level of pollution does not give rise to harmful effects on human health and the environment and by encouraging sustainable urban development”. It is almost natural that searching for solutions on promoting better quality of life in cities, urban transport management in cities may be regarded as key target to focus on, since traffic is one of the major air pollutants emitters, includeing greenhouse gases, besides being a relevant noise producer [3] These singularities led to several approaches in Europe and one of them was the adoption of the Action Plan of Mobility [6]. According to [8], assessment restrictions are classified into: 1) point based; 2) cordon based, 3) area license based pricing; 4) distance/time based
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