Miljøtema, 25 – Roads to Healthier Traffic

Roads to Healthier Traffic

Roads to less pollution

New technical solutions have brought us a long way on the road to less pollution. In Denmark catalytic converters were made obligatory for new petrol- driven cars in 1990 – causing emissions of carbon oxide, nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and hydrocarbons to fall by up to 90 per cent. Also lead-free petrol and low-sulphur diesel fuels have contributed to reducing air pollution.

In the future, new technologies such as hybrid cars and electric cars may totally eliminate direct air pollution from urban traffic. At the same time, there is a need to improve the existing technology in order to reduce air pollution. A new technological solution that may play an important role in the future are particle filters in diesel- powered cars.

small car

Photo: Scanpix

Smooth driving is best

The speed of the car and the driving pattern affect emissions of harmful substances. Urban traffic is least polluting when going at speeds of 40-50 km/h. Therefore, green waves adjusting traffic lights so that the lights are green when you drive in the city at the prescribed speed, can be an effective tool to reduce air pollution. When driving outside urban areas, an even speed of 80 km/h secures the least pollution and the best fuel-efficiency.

Avoid short trips

Starting a cold car engine is very fuel- demanding. The first kilometres of driving take 50 per cent more petrol than normal consumption. What is more, a cold-started engine pollutes the air during the first minutes of driving just as much as 70 kilometres on a warm engine. Therefore, in everyday use of the car, the number of trips has a great impact on how much the car pollutes the air. It is a good idea not to use the car for short trips.

Targeted planning

Air pollution can also be reduced by targeted urban and traffic planning.

Air pollution can be reduced by focusing on environmentally friendly means of transport – for instance car sharing, commuter plans, more consideration for bicycles and for public transport, and parking restrictions. Environment zones where for instance only diesel cars fitted with particle filters are allowed, may contribute to reducing pollution.

man writing af parking-ticket

Photo: Scanpix