New analysis exploring the consequences of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in Glasgow seems to seek out that whereas site visitors circulate has remained largely unchanged for the reason that Zone was enforced, air high quality has improved.
The examine, undertaken by researchers from the Universities of Glasgow, Auckland and College Faculty Dublin, gathered hourly information from site visitors sensors and air high quality screens within the metropolis’s busy Hope Avenue and Excessive Avenue inside the LEZ to provide figures for the every day common NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide). Meteorological information, offered by the UK Met Workplace, factored within the wind impact on NO2 dispersal.
The examine discovered a statistically vital discount in site visitors circulate on Excessive Avenue throughout weekdays, leading to notable decreases in normalised NO2 ranges of between 25%-27%. A 35% drop of NO2 on weekends was additionally noticed.
In distinction, site visitors patterns on Hope Avenue remained secure, but statistically vital decreases in NO2 ranges of between 9-13% on weekdays had been nonetheless noticed, suggesting the institution of the LEZ discourages excessive emission autos within the metropolis centre and helps enhance air high quality.
Co-author of the paper, Qunshan Zhao, stated: “These early results indicate that while traffic reductions and the decrease of the high emission vehicles in some parts of the city may be contributing to improved air quality, other factors may also play a role. The findings highlight the need for continued monitoring to better understand the LEZ’s long-term impact on both traffic and pollution levels across Glasgow. Paired traffic sensors and air quality sensors can be set up to help further understand the relationships between traffic flows and air quality variations.”
In frequent with different massive UK cities, Glasgow has excessive site visitors volumes from each non-public autos and Heavy Items Automobiles (HGVs). In 2021 alone, town had practically 240,000 licensed autos, in line with DoT Statistics. The ensuing congestion led to elevated emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates from vehicle-related actions comparable to tailpipe emissions, brake put on, tyre put on, and highway abrasion.
Glasgow Metropolis Council launched a Low Emission Zone (LEZ) within the metropolis centre on 1 June 2023 with the purpose of lowering air pollution by proscribing entry to autos that don’t meet strict emissions requirements.
There are presently Clear Air Zones and Low Emission Zones within the following UK cities: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford, Tub, Bradford, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Sheffield, Southampton, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
