Road traffic pollution and public nuisance

Abstract

Road traffic affects the public in a wide variety of ways, many of which cause some degree of annoyance. The major disturbances to the public arising from vehicular emissions include physical effects such as the irritation of eyes and mucous membranes, visual intrusion, soiling, or more subjective impacts. A literature survey has been conducted which identified the vehicle-derived air pollutants suspected of causing some degree of nuisance to the public but also highlighted the limited data in this area. A preliminary investigation of the relationship between public attitude and pollutant concentrations has been conducted at two locations in the London Borough of Ealing and a single location in the London Borough of Haringey. A range of pollutants was monitored continuously including oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur, selected volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. Traffic flows and meteorological conditions were also recorded throughout the survey period. To measure the local public opinion concerning vehicle-derived pollutants, pedestrians and occupants of residential and business premises were surveyed. The preliminary analysis of this data indicates the importance of diesel-engined vehicles to public annoyance and the significance of diesel derived particulate matter.