The environmental effects of changing speed limits: A quantile regression approach |
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| Institution: | 1. GiM-IREA, Department of Economic Policy, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 690, Barcelona 08034, Spain;2. Riskcenter-IREA, Department of Econometrics, University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal, 690, Barcelona 08034, Spain;1. Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA;2. Carnivore Ecology Laboratory, Forest and Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi State University, MS 39762, USA;3. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, 6100 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870, USA;1. Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico;2. Centro de Investigación en Geografía y Geomática, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Mexico;1. Univ. Lyon, ENTPE, IFSTTAR, LICIT, F-69518 Vaulx-En-Velin, France;2. IFSTTAR, AME, LAE, F-44344 Bouguenais, France;1. Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland;2. Global Centre for Clean Air Research, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (FEPS), University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom |
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| Abstract: | 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, we use a quantile regression approach for fixed effect panel data, which allows us analyzing different scenarios (beyond the average levels). We 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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| Keywords: | Traffic speed management Urban air pollution Quantile regression |
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