Traffic pollution
There are several ways in which traffic pollution problems can be tackled. For instance, improved vehicle technology and using transport alternatives to the car will reduce emissions of pollutants into the air from traffic. The following sections consider action that can be taken in reducing our impact on traffic pollution:
Alternative Fuels
Fuel technology in vehicles has become more efficient over the years. There are different advantages for each fuel in terms of their environmental impacts. For instance, while diesel vehicles have lower carbon dioxide emissions than petrol making them better in terms of global warming diesel engines emit more nitrogen oxides and particulates compared to petrol.
While both diesel and petrol vehicles contribute significantly to poor air quality problems, there are fuel alternatives that can have lesser detrimental impacts. Alternatives include LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), CNG (compressed natural gas), hybrid and electric vehicles. For further details, visit the information section of the National Society for Clean Air & Environmental Protection (NSCA) website.
Vehicle Efficiency
The way you drive will have a significant impact on fuel consumption and therefore on pollutant emissions. There are various useful tips for cutting pollution when driving:
- Drive gently - rapid acceleration and heavy braking increase fuel consumption.
- Minimise weight and drag - avoid carrying unnecessary weight, and remove roof racks when not in use as they add drag.
- Steady your speed - emissions are lowest when driving at about 50 mph, while they rise dramatically above 70 mph.
- Switch off when stationary - if stuck in traffic or stopping for more than a minute, switch off the engine. Do not run the engine unnecessarily - drive off soon after starting.
- Look after your car - check tuning, tyre pressure and fuel consumption - regular servicing helps keep your car efficient.
- Air conditioning and other on board electrical devices increase fuel consumption - only use them when really necessary.
- When buying a new car, consider smaller more fuel efficient models with a catalytic converter, which will reduce emissions and save you money on fuel, tax and insurance.
Travel Habits
By changing your travel habits, it is possible to have a major impact on how much you contribute to air pollution. This could range from car sharing to choosing alternatives such as walking or cycling:
- Avoid using your car for shorter journeys - short trips use more fuel, especially if the engine is cold - make combined trips or walk, cycle or take public transport instead.
- Plan your journeys carefully, choosing the shortest routes, which will save you both time and money while reducing your impact on traffic emissions.
- Car sharing will reduce pollution and running costs can also be shared.
- Cycling and walking are clean, cheap and healthy alternatives to driving.
There is a host of information available on the Internet that considers the various transport alternatives:
- The National Society for Clean Air & Environmental Protection (NSCA) has a Transport Impact Calculator which calculates your pollutant emissions from journeys by road, the energy you use on your journeys (in calories), and the full annual cost of car ownership. The aim is to show how transport with a low environmental impact can help reduce air pollution, improve health and save money.
- The sustainable transport charity Sustrans works on practical projects to encourage people to walk, cycle and use public transport in order to reduce traffic levels.
- The Don't Choke Britain Partnership aims to encourage people to consider alternatives to car usage and the website gives some interesting transport-related facts to consider.
- Travel Habits offers suggestions on how to reduce the workload of your engine, travelling a bit lighter whilst out and about as well as providing information on Smarter Driving Tips.
Public transport information is also available:
- Merseytravel co-ordinates public transport across Merseyside, taking into consideration environmental factors and public interests. The website includes access to bus, train and ferry service news and information.
- The Merseyside Journey Planner gives public transport timetable information for any local journey, for those who want to help improve air quality by using the bus, train or ferry instead of a car.
- National Rail Enquiries gives rail timetable information for across the UK.