The environmental effects of changing speed limits: A quantile regression approach
Two speed management policies were implemented in the metropolitan area of Barcelona aimed at reducing air pollution concentration levels. In 2008, the maximum speed limit was reduced to 80 km/h and, in 2009, a variable speed system was introduced on some metropolitan motorways. This paper evaluates whether such policies have been successful in promoting cleaner air, not only in terms of average pollutant levels but also during high and low pollution episodes. To do so, the authors use a quantile regression approach for fixed effect panel data, which allows them to analyze different scenarios (beyond the average levels). The authors find that the variable speed system improves air quality with regard to the two pollutants considered here, being most effective when nitrogen oxide levels are not too low and when particulate matter concentrations are below extremely high levels. However, reducing the maximum speed limit from 120/100 km/h to 80 km/h has no effect – or even a slightly increasing effect – on the two pollutants, depending on the pollution scenario.
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/13619209
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Supplemental Notes:
- Abstract reprinted with permission of Elsevier.
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Authors:
- Bel, Germà
- Bolancé, Catalina
- Guillén, Montserrat
- Rosell, Jordi
- Publication Date: 2015-5
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Web
- Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; References; Tables;
- Pagination: pp 76-85
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Serial:
- Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment
- Volume: 36
- Issue Number: 0
- Publisher: Elsevier
- ISSN: 1361-9209
- Serial URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/13619209
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Air pollution; Air quality management; Environmental impacts; Nitrogen oxides; Particulates; Regression analysis; Speed limits; Urban areas
- Geographic Terms: Barcelona (Spain)
- Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; I15: Environment; I73: Traffic Control;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01561330
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Apr 27 2015 9:48AM