Reducing street pollution through responsible driving

One of the major problems we face in large cities is not only the dense traffic found in city centres, but also all the pollution it causes. We know that very drastic measures are being taken regarding access to the most central streets, especially for diesel-engined cars. Many cities are restricting access to certain parts of urban areas, but more can still be done to address all of these problems.

In England, a report has been launched seeking a solution to this pollution, in conjunction with the National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE), which, if followed, could make the air a little cleaner. The report includes some advice that, if implemented, could drastically reduce the build-up of polluting gases.

Above all, for this organisation dedicated to the health of the British public, the main goal is to get drivers used to lighter, more sensible driving. By avoiding hard braking and sudden acceleration, the engine can be kept running at a steady rate, producing fewer emissions into the atmosphere. To avoid these situations, drivers should keep their speed low in town, letting the engine slow the vehicle down until it comes to a stop.

Removing the speed bumps used to deter speeding would be one of the measures to take in order to avoid stopping and accelerating. When we approach one, we reduce speed to get over it without damaging the shock absorbers, but we also accelerate as soon as we pass it. Multiply that manoeuvre by all the cars that pass that spot, and the emissions are considerable.

Other measures would be to avoid areas where cars sit idling, such as near schools. In these places, drivers leave the engine running while they walk the child to the door. Again, the large number of cars performing this manoeuvre releases a considerable amount of gases into the air.

All of this, together with reduced speeds in certain locations and, above all, a thorough road safety education campaign to raise awareness among urban drivers, could reverse the trend on the congested streets of our cities. In addition, engines fitted with Stop & Start systems can help eliminate the excess emissions that spoil air quality. Will these kinds of measures ever be applied? Would you follow them when driving in town? Tell us!

Source | Carscoops