Air pollution and climate change co-benefit opportunities in the road transportation sector in Durban, South Africa

The contribution of the road transportation sector to emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases is a growing concern in developing countries. Emission control measures implemented within this sector can have varying counteracting influences. In the city of Durban, South Africa, the growing dependence on privately-owned motor vehicles and increasing usage of roads for freight transport have all resulted in significant air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, an emissions inventory was developed for the road transport sector and was used as a basis to explore intervention opportunities that are likely to reduce simultaneously, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in this sector. It was found that reducing the vehicle kilometres travelled by privately-owned motor vehicles and improving the efficiency of road freight transport offered the greatest potential for achieving co-benefits.

► Road transport is responsible for significant atmospheric emissions in Durban.
► Private motor vehicle fleet is old & road freight dominates over the use of rail.
► Presently no interventions are taken to tackle pollution from this sector.
► Policies should focus on reducing vehicle kilometres travelled and fleet renewal.