Transport measures to improve air quality

Abstract

The UK’s record when it comes to improving poor air quality caused by road traffic, is poor. The EC has launched infringement proceedings against the UK for non-compliance with EU limit values and it is accepted at government level that meeting these limits will be challenging. This paper looks at the transport measures that are currently available and being deployed to improve air quality but concludes that there is currently little evidence on which to base assessments of their likely effectiveness. The paper argues that there is an urgent need for greater clarity about what measures need to be put in place to meet air quality objectives and EU limit values and what part local transport measures have to play.