Low Emission Zones Research Articles

Killing Prescriptions Softly: Low Emission Zones and Child Health from Birth to School

We examine the persistence of the impact of early-life exposure to air pollution on children’s health from birth to school enrollment using administrative public health insurance records covering one-third of all children in Germany. For identification, we exploit air quality improvements caused by Low Emission Zones, a policy imposing driving restrictions on emission-intensive vehicles. Our results indicate that children exposed to cleaner air in utero and their first year of life require less medication for at least five years. The initially latent health response materializes only gradually, leaving important but subtle health benefits undetected in common measures of infant health. (JEL I12, I13, J13, Q51, Q53, R48)

Gaussian process-based analysis of the nitrogen dioxide at Madrid Central Low Emission Zone

Abstract Concern about air-quality in urban areas has led to the implementation of Low Emission Zones as one of many other initiatives to control it. Recently in Spain, the enactment of a law made this mandatory for cities with a population larger than 50k inhabitants. The delimitation of these areas is not without controversy because of possible negative economic and social impacts. Therefore, clear assessments of how these initiatives decrease pollutant concentrations are to be provided. Madrid Central is a major initiative of Madrid city council for reducing motor traffic and the associated air pollution in the city centre. This Low Emission Zone starts at the end of 2018, but the first fully-operational period corresponds to the second quarter of 2019. In this work, a methodology based on the Gaussian Process to analyse the evolution of Nitrogen Dioxide inside Madrid Central is undertaken. A Gaussian Process is a stochastic process suitable for interpretable model selection and predictions. Due to its probabilistic nature it provides error estimation at predictions. After the activation of Madrid Central, a relevant reduction of Nitrogen Dioxide has been observed. However, the role of the meteorology during this period must be ascertained to correctly evaluate the role of the activation of the Low Emission Zone against a prone weather. In this work, a model based on the Gaussian Process is trained with meteorological information to predict the concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide at Madrid Central, $[NO_{2}]$. This probabilistic description allows extracting statistical information on the reduction affected by the meteorological scenario and separately by the Madrid Central activation.

Impact of single and combined local air pollution mitigation measures in an urban environment

Urban air pollution is one of the most important environmental problems for human health and several strategies have been developed for its mitigation. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of single and combined mitigation measures on concentrations of air pollutants emitted by traffic at pedestrian level in the same urban environment. The effectiveness of different scenarios of green infrastructure (GI), the implementation of photocatalytic materials and traffic low emission zones (LEZ) are investigated, as well as several combinations of LEZ and GI. A wide set of scenarios is simulated through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling for two different wind directions (perpendicular (0°) and 45° wind directions). Wind flow for the BASE scenario without any measure implemented was previously evaluated using wind-tunnel measurements. Air pollutant concentrations for this scenario are compared with the results obtained from the different mitigation scenarios. Reduction of traffic emissions through LEZ is found to be the most effective single measure to improve local air quality. However, GI enhances the effects of LEZ, which makes the combination of LEZ + GI a very effective measure. The effectiveness of this combination depends on the GI layout, the intensity of emission reduction in the LEZ and the traffic diversion in streets surrounding the LEZ. These findings, in line with previous literature, suggest that the implementation of GI may increase air pollutant concentrations at pedestrian level for some cases. However, this study highlights that this negative effect on air quality can turn into positive when used in combination with reductions of local traffic emissions.

Multimodal spatial availability: A singly-constrained measure of accessibility considering multiple modes.

Place-based accessibility measures communicate the potential interaction with opportunities at a zone that populations can access. Recent research has explored the implications of how opportunities are counted by different accessibility methods. In conventional measures, opportunities are multiply counted if more than one zone offers access to the same opportunity. This multi-count of opportunities leads to values of accessibility that are difficult to interpret. A possible solution to enhance the meaning-making of accessibility results is by constraining the calculations to match a known quantity. This ensures all zonal values sum up to a predetermined quantity (i.e., the total number of opportunities). In this way, each value can be meaningfully related to this total. A recent effort that implements this solution is spatial availability, a singly-constrained accessibility measure. In this paper, we extend spatial availability for use in the case of multiple modes or more generally, heterogeneous population segments with distinct travel behaviors. After deriving a multimodal version of spatial availability, we proceed to illustrate its features using a synthetic example. We then apply it to an empirical example of low emission zones in Madrid, Spain. We conclude with suggestions for future research and its use in evaluating policy interventions.

Benefits of diesel emission regulations: Evidence from the World's largest low emission zone

We examined the impact of diesel emission regulations on air quality, land prices, and infant health in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The results reveal that as air pollution concentrations improved, land prices increased more in areas with higher diesel vehicle traffic, even after controlling for non-regulated vehicle traffic. In contrast, the concentrations of non-regulated air pollutants were unaffected. Estimates based on the hedonic approach show that the benefit of air quality improvement in the metropolitan area is about 14 times the cost. Improved air quality also improved infant health. The improvement in infant mortality with a one-unit improvement in suspended particulate matter was similar in magnitude to published results from the United States.

Impact of the implementation of Madrid's low emission zone on NO2 concentration using Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI data

In recent years, several measures and policies have been introduced to safeguard healthy NO2 levels in urban areas, including the creation of low emission zones (LEZs). In November 2018, a traffic-restricted area known as the Special Protection Low Emission Zone (SPLEZ) was established in the core of the city of Madrid, embracing most of its central district. This study aims to evaluate whether the implementation of the LEZ has led to improvements in air quality by analyzing NO2 concentrations in various case scenarios. For this purpose, data from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Sentinel-5 precursor (Sentinel-5P) were used. The pre- and post-LEZ implementation seasonal analysis (from July 2018 to May 2019) and the entirety of 2022 indicated that the epicenter of transport-related NO2 concentrations did not lie within its boundaries. However, NO2 levels within the SPLEZ peaked during winter, with heating and meteorological factors playing a significant role. Additionally, the findings from the case study of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the influence of human activities on the NO2 concentration in both the SPLEZ and the entire metropolitan area. NO2 emissions decreased during the strict lockdown period and steadily increased as activities resumed. Satellite data was compared to surface-level measurements in each case study, resulting in a linear correlation coefficient of 0.72. TROPOMI data was found to closely align with surface-level observations as pollution levels increased, contrasting with better air quality scenarios. Despite certain limitations, it can serve as a valuable tool for providing complementary information to surface-level data, particularly in characterizing changes in pollution distribution patterns.

Integration of Data and Predictive Models for the Evaluation of Air Quality and Noise in Urban Environments.

This work addresses assessing air quality and noise in urban environments by integrating predictive models and Internet of Things technologies. For this, a model generated heat maps for PM2.5 and noise levels, incorporating traffic data from open sources for precise contextualization. This approach reveals significant correlations between high pollutant/noise concentrations and their proximity to industrial zones and traffic routes. The predictive models, including convolutional neural networks and decision trees, demonstrated high accuracy in predicting pollution and noise levels, with correlation values such as R2 of 0.93 for PM2.5 and 0.90 for noise. These findings highlight the need to address environmental issues in urban planning comprehensively. Furthermore, the study suggests policies based on the quantitative results, such as implementing low-emission zones and promoting green spaces, to improve urban environmental management. This analysis offers a significant contribution to scientific understanding and practical applicability in the planning and management of urban environments, emphasizing the relevance of an integrated and data-driven approach to inform effective policy decisions in urban environmental management.

Integrated optimization of dedicated engine and energy management strategy for the plug-in hybrid commercial vehicle at high altitude

To improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions of plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles (PHCVs) at high altitude, an integrated optimization of dedicated engine of PHCV (DEP) and energy management strategy (EMS) is performed. Firstly, the physical model of DEP is established using experimental data. Its empirical model is developed through machine learning with samples generated by the physical model. Subsequently, a hybrid model-based successive approximation method is proposed to optimize various combinations of control parameters including fuel injection timing, rail pressure, VGT opening and EGR rate, aiming at reducing brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and NOx within the major working zone of DEP. This optimized DEP is then integrated into the PHCV model to collectively optimize EMS at this challenging altitude. Results demonstrate that this method considerably reduces optimization time without compromising model accuracy. Notably, at 4000 m altitude and under the CHTC-C driving cycle, overall BSFC reduces with a minimum of 194.27 g/(kW·h), most brake specific NOx values remain under 7.5 g/(kW·h), and optimal working range broadens. With integrated optimization, the DEP predominantly works in low-fuel consumption and low-emission zone. Consequently, the fuel economy of PHCV improves by 30.03 %, while NOx and CO2 emissions decrease by 35.88 % and 18.05 %, respectively.

Putting Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to the Test: The Effect of London's Lez on Education

Putting Low Emission Zone (LEZ) to the Test: The Effect of London's Lez on Education

Mitigating Climate Change Effects of Urban Transportation Using a Type-2 Neutrosophic MEREC-MARCOS Model

Climate change is the foremost environmental problem that negatively affects the lives of people. Sustainable policies offer an opportunity to mitigate climate change effects of urban transportation. Four sustainable policies are presented to alter the propagation speed of climate change. However, there is a major gap regarding the prioritization of the sustainable policies in advantage order, which is an important problem for all municipalities. Therefore, this study introduces a two-stage model that hybridizes the method based on the removal effects of criteria (MEREC) and measurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution (MARCOS) method into a unique framework under the type-2 neutrosophic number (T2NN) environment. In the first stage, the T2NN-MEREC determines the objective importance of the criteria. In the second stage, the T2NN-MARCOS method ranks the sustainable policies. Our practical findings indicate that land-use planning is the best sustainable policy for mitigating climate change effects of urban transportation. By applying this solution, municipalities may generate an extra budget from low emission zones and limited traffic zones in the short-term run. The introduced T2NN-MEREC-MARCOS model could be used as decision support for authorities while mitigating climate change effects of not only urban transportation but also other human activities.

The effect of vehicle load on urban freight emissions

Several city logistics initiatives focus on lowering last-mile deliveries’ environmental impacts. And here, the impact is often the total (absolute) pollutants emitted by urban goods vehicles and the population's exposure to those pollutants. Some of these interventions include the conversion of traditional fleets to clean(er) fuels or imposing vehicle access restrictions, based on emission standards, in the form of (ultra) low emission zones. Many of these interventions rely on models to predict and evaluate, a priori, what the impact will be. But, like all models, assumptions must be made, resulting in predicted results underestimating actual emissions. For urban logistics, more than for private cars, the literature shows a substantial difference between the predicted and tail-pipe emissions for most pollutants. This paper builds on prior research and shows the cargo load's nonlinear effect on emissions in an urban environment.

Evaluation of the Implementation Effects and Socio-Economic Impacts of London's Low Emission Zone Policy

Evaluation of the Implementation Effects and Socio-Economic Impacts of London's Low Emission Zone Policy

Assessing the ex-ante impacts of a low-emission zone on transport poverty and vulnerability with the VulMob indicator - Application to the low-emission zone in Grenoble, France

Assessing the ex-ante impacts of a low-emission zone on transport poverty and vulnerability with the VulMob indicator - Application to the low-emission zone in Grenoble, France

Implementation of SDGs 11 and LEZ Policy toward Visitor Satisfaction in Kota Tua Area Jakarta

Sustainable tourism can be achieved by executing the action of SDGS 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) policy is a translation of SDGS 11 implemented in cities worldwide. In 2021, the Special Capital Region Government of Jakarta chose Kota Tua Area Jakarta (KTA) as LEZ pilot project area to try out a form of restriction of motorized vehicles in an area in many ways. However, as LEZ policy was executed, visitor reviews were still unknown. This research aimed to evaluate SDGS 11 and LEZ implementation in KTA and weigh the contribution toward tourist satisfaction. A descriptive quantitative study from November 2022 until January 2023 was taken using primary data from 100 questionnaires used on a purposive sample of tourist aged over 18 who was repeat visitor of KTA. The data analysis used the explanatory method, multi-regression, Pearson Correlation Product Moment, and determinant coefficient analysis. The result showed that the implementation of SDGS 11 in KTA was compatible with the target of SDG Goal 11. LEZ policy has been very well executed. Visitors claimed they were strongly satisfied with tourist spots in KTA. Implementation of SDGS 11 and LEZ policy simultaneously and partially influenced visitor satisfaction. The SDGS 11 and LEZ policy in KTA contributed 23.4 percent to tourist satisfaction, and the remaining 76.6 percent was supported by other factors. It is recommended to pay attention to the safety aspect of KTA, organize parking, and increase the quality of tourist facilities.

OPTIMIZATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NOSES IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE-BASED GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE TO REALIZE A GREEN CITY IN THE NUSANTARA CAPITAL REGION THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Law Number 3 of 2022 is the legal basis for moving the National Capital from DKI Jakarta to Sepaku, East Kalimantan, which is called the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN). To prevent serious emissions cases from recurring in the capital city of Jakarta, the low emission zone concept needs to be implemented to achieve a smart and green city area in IKN. Community mobility in IKN is directed at 80% to use public transportation with an access time of 10 minutes to public transportation nodes, so that with the large area of ​​IKN it is very necessary to optimize the development of public transportation nodes. This research aims to determine the use of the type of electric vehicle with the lowest emissions and determine the optimal number of bus terminal mapping, so that it can reduce emissions due to transportation activities and create financial savings in the process of installing solar panels as a means of converting renewable energy sources at each bus terminal in the IKN area. . This research method was carried out by studying a literature review regarding electric vehicles and using the set covering problem method in determining the optimal number of bus terminals, as well as using the interview method to obtain primary data. BEV type electric vehicles are most suitable for use in IKN, because they emit fewer emissions than other types. In creating optimization, there are six bus terminal construction locations that can serve other areas in IKN.

A Projection of Environmental Impact of a Low Emission Zone Planned in Warsaw, Poland

A Projection of Environmental Impact of a Low Emission Zone Planned in Warsaw, Poland

Environmental and economic evaluation of a low emission zone for urban freight transport

This paper aims to quantify the environmental and economic impacts of a low emission zone in the context of urban freight transport. The research's originality lies in its combination of behavioral data, urban freight transport and environmental models, and cost-benefit analysis methodologies. Through this methodological framework, we examine the costs and benefits of implementing a low emission zone using different scenarios with varying perimeters and environmental requirements in the urban area of Lyon. The findings of this study suggest that increasing the size of the perimeter is more economically and environmentally efficient than tightening the level of environmental standards.

Collaborative road pricing strategy for heterogeneous vehicles considering emission constraints

Urban transportation problems, primarily characterized by traffic congestion and exhaust emissions, continue to worsen, significantly impeding the economic and social development of cities. Road pricing strategies have emerged as an effective approach to tackle urban transportation problems, and their successful implementation in numerous cities have garnered significant attention. In this context, this study introduces a collaborative road pricing strategy tailored for mixed traffic flow comprising both conventional vehicles (CVs) and new energy vehicles (NEVs). CVs and NEVs are considered as two distinct types of cars with heterogeneous characteristics. The collaborative road pricing strategy consists of two components: congestion pricing and emission pricing. A bi-level programming model for the collaborative road pricing strategy is built. Exhaust emissions within the low-emission zone (LEZ) are used as constraints for the model, while the optimization objective of the model involves minimizing the sum of total travel time and total emissions of the road network. The viability of the proposed collaborative road pricing scheme is demonstrated through numerical tests within the second ring road in Beijing, China. The results imply that the service level of the road network can be improved by implementing the collaborative road pricing scheme. It also concludes that, increasing the penetration of new energy vehicles would help to decrease traffic congestion and emissions.

Investigating the impact of London’s ultra low emission zone on children’s health: children’s health in London and Luton (CHILL) protocol for a prospective parallel cohort study

BackgroundAir pollution harms health across the life course. Children are at particular risk of adverse effects during development, which may impact on health in later life. Interventions that improve air quality are urgently needed both to improve public health now, and prevent longer-term increased vulnerability to chronic disease. Low Emission Zones are a public health policy intervention aimed at reducing traffic-derived contributions to urban air pollution, but evidence that they deliver health benefits is lacking. We describe a natural experiment study (CHILL: Children’s Health in London and Luton) to evaluate the impacts of the introduction of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on children’s health.MethodsCHILL is a prospective two-arm parallel longitudinal cohort study recruiting children at age 6–9 years from primary schools in Central London (the focus of the first phase of the ULEZ) and Luton (a comparator site), with the primary outcome being the impact of changes in annual air pollutant exposures (nitrogen oxides [NOx], nitrogen dioxide [NO2], particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5micrograms [PM2.5], and less than 10 micrograms [PM10]) across the two sites on lung function growth, measured as post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) over five years. Secondary outcomes include physical activity, cognitive development, mental health, quality of life, health inequalities, and a range of respiratory and health economic data.DiscussionCHILL’s prospective parallel cohort design will enable robust conclusions to be drawn on the effectiveness of the ULEZ at improving air quality and delivering improvements in children’s respiratory health. With increasing proportions of the world’s population now living in large urban areas exceeding World Health Organisation air pollution limit guidelines, our study findings will have important implications for the design and implementation of Low Emission and Clean Air Zones in the UK, and worldwide.ClinicalTrials.govNCT04695093 (05/01/2021).

The air quality and well-being effects of low emission zones

This study provides the first evidence of the subjective well-being impacts of low emission zones (LEZs) while also undertaking a comprehensive analysis of their air quality effects. We identify causal impacts by exploiting the zones’ introduction date with difference-in-differences designs robust to staggered implementations and time-varying treatment effects. Results show air quality improvements through reductions in traffic-related pollutants despite ground-level ozone increases and harmful spatial pollution spillovers. We further find that the zones cause transitory yet long-lasting reductions in individuals’ life satisfaction despite health benefits, suggesting that the subjective well-being effects of restricting mobility potentially outweigh those of improved health.