Modeling the effects of a speed limit reduction on traffic-related elemental carbon (EC) concentrations and population exposure to EC

Despite the scarce effect of speed limit reduction measures on total mass PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations, it is shown that the effect on the probably more hazardous component elemental carbon (EC) is more important which means that, from the viewpoint of health benefit, speed reductions during smog episodes may well be justified. Especially in the very dense highway network in Flanders with a 60% share of diesel cars (the highest in Europe) a speed limit reduction from 120 to 90 km/h during winter smog episodes on selected sections of Flemish highways leads to a significant decrease of the EC concentrations near those highways. Key findings are that the decrease in EC depends on the distance from the highways. In the direct vicinity of the highways, a decrease compared to the base-line scenario where no speed limit changes were implemented of up to 30% of the EC concentrations is modeled. Within a distance of 1500 m of the concerned highway sections there is an average decrease in EC of 0.18 μg m−3 affecting about 1 million people living in these areas. When the speed limit reduction measure is in force, the EC exposure of about 300,000 people decreases by at least 5% and 7500 people experience a decrease of 15% or more.