TR-D induced emissions revised 19-May.pdf (152.22 kB)
Download fileFlow improvements and vehicle emissions: effects of trip generation and emission control technology
journal contribution
posted on 10.09.2009, 14:23 authored by Robert B. Noland, Mohammed QuddusThis paper examines whether road schemes that increase the availability of road space or which smooth
the flow of traffic result in increased vehicle pollution. Economic theory indicates that increases in road
space and the consequent decreases in travel time will tend to increase total vehicular travel, an effect
known as induced travel. The net impacts on vehicle pollution have largely been a matter of conjecture with
some arguing that policies to reduce congestion (by adding more road space) will reduce pollution by
smoothing the flow of traffic and reducing stop and go traffic, while others argue that induced traffic will
overwhelm this effect. This paper uses a micro-simulation model (VISSIM), integrated with a modal emissions
model (CMEM), to evaluate the overall strategic policy question of how changes in available road
capacity affects vehicle emissions. The analysis examines alternative vehicle fleets, ranging from a fleet with
no emission control technology to relatively clean Tier 1 vehicles. Results show emission break-even points
for CO, HC, NOx, fuel consumption and CO2. Increased traffic is found to quickly diminish any initial
emission reduction benefits.
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