Impacts of traffic-flows on vehicular-exhaust emissions at traffic junctions

This paper examines the impact of traffic-flow on CO, NO2 and PM emissions at two distinct traffic junctions and evaluates the use of emission factors. The study includes three scenarios regarding pollutant emissions, which combine a field, experimental and semi-empirically estimated traffic parameters for free, interrupted and congested traffic-flow conditions. It evaluates the emission patterns for heterogeneity in traffic characteristics of both junctions. The results suggest the corrections to be made to emission factors at traffic junctions for better forecast of air quality.

► This paper examines the environmental implications of mixed traffic at junctions.
► The ways in which traffic flows through the junctions affects emissions.
► Traffic with different states of congestion has a particular effect on emissions.
► Emissions in response to traffic flow will provide better air quality estimates.