As cities grow, managing air pollution becomes critical to protect public health and the environment. A recent study by the WM-Net Zero team shines a light on the impact of traffic reduction on air quality in the West Midlands. Using a high-resolution air quality model, researchers explored various traffic reduction scenarios—such as cutting traffic by 10%, 30%, 50%, or more—and measured their effects on pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM₂.₅).
The findings are promising: significant reductions in NO₂ could be achieved, especially in areas with dense traffic. However, the study also revealed that reducing PM₂.₅, a particularly harmful pollutant, would require more than just fewer cars on the road, as these particles come from multiple sources, including regional and industrial emissions. This research provides a roadmap for decision-makers looking to create cleaner, healthier urban environments. By pinpointing the specific impact of traffic on pollution levels, policymakers can better tailor their strategies to improve air quality for everyone, making our cities safer and more sustainable places to live.
Read more about the study here:
Zhong, J., Stocker, J., Cai, X., Harrison, R. M., & Bloss, W. J. (2024). Street-scale air quality modelling over the West Midlands, United Kingdom: Effect of idealised traffic reduction scenarios. Urban Climate, 55, 101961. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2024.101961