The importance of intelligent transport systems in the preservation of the environment and reduction of harmful gases

This study explores the role of using Intelligent Transportation Systems ITS to solve environmental problems, caused mainly by traffic congestion, within the city of Baghdad. The issues of congestion stem from the lack of street capacity, facilities to accommodate the increase in means of transport, absence of proper management based on modern transport and technical development, lack of efficient and convenient public transportation services and, dependence on private cars. This leading to increased traffic density, and changes in speed of traffic flow which causes an increase in energy consumption and gas emissions such as carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, soot, and particulate pollutants. This research studies the pollution rates caused by congestion in the streets connected to the intersection of Jadriya, which is located near Baghdad University. The proportion of gases emitted by vehicles was calculated using regression equations and this calculation has depended on the traffic volume. In addition, other factors that contributed to the calculation some of this equations include: speed of traffic flow, street capacity, the height of neighbouring buildings, and forestation intensity. The final results demonstrate the types and proportion of gases that pollute the environment as compared with the international health standards to determine the percentage of the encroachment of polluting gases in the area. The possibility of applying ITS was discussed, by reusing regression equations to estimate emissions depending on the variation of future traffic volume and speed. Future traffic volume was estimated by a percentage of views of a group of experts in the field of transportation. The results indicate a significant decrease in emissions if ITS applied.