Briefing Notes
The TRANSITION Clean Air Network is producing a series of briefing notes on a variety of subjects, ranging from Non-Exhaust Emissions (Brake, Tyre & Road Wear) to Barriers to Active Travel and Modal Shift, and Exposure via Different Transport Modes. Please check back regularly for new additions to the series.
Speed Limits, Air Quality and Health
15 June 2023
Improving air quality by lowering vehicle emissions is important for public health. Limiting vehicle speeds on the UK strategic road network can reduce individual vehicle exhaust emissions, however, there are implications for driver behaviour and traffic congestion patterns. This briefing note examines the current evidence for speed limit reduction to benefit air quality and health and provides recommendations for future priority research.
- Read our briefing note on Speed Limits, Air Quality and Health.
- Read our associated blog post: ‘Is 60 the new 70? Birmingham slows down for cleaner air’ | Living Streets
Air Pollution Exposure in Different Transport Modes
In this Briefing Note, we summarise recent scientific evidence on air pollution exposure experienced by people travelling by different surface transport modes: including road, rail, and active travel (walking and cycling). We also consider which factors influence pollutant exposure within each mode and provide recommendations to mitigate against adverse health impacts.
Read our briefing note on Air Pollution Exposure in Different Transport Modes.
Low Emission (Clean Air) Zones
27 Sept 2023 (updated from 16 Jun 2022 version)
Low Emission Zones – also known as Clean Air Zones – aim to achieve compliance with legal air quality objectives by discouraging the use of highly polluting vehicles in urban areas. This briefing note examines current knowledge as to whether these initiatives work, gaps in our understanding and lessons for future place-based air quality solutions.
Read our briefing note Low Emission (Clean Air) Zones
UK Rail Freight and Emissions
Freight transport (movement of goods and bulk cargo) plays a fundamental role in supporting supply chains both domestically and internationally. This briefing note outlines the status of rail freight in the UK, considering benefits of a modal shift from road to rail. It also identifies future interventions that could decarbonise the UK’s freight sector by 2050, with benefits for health and wider society.
Read our briefing note on UK Rail Freight and Emissions.
Environmental and Health Impacts of E-Cycling
16 Nov 2022
Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) can have an important role in enabling UK transport to achieve net zero, improve air quality, increase levels of physical activity and improve mental and physical health. This briefing note examines the current evidence on the environmental and health impacts of e-cycling, highlighting why the promotion of e-cycling should be a key component to address UK health, climate and clean air challenges.
Read our briefing note on Environmental and Health Impacts of E-Cycling.
Non-Exhaust Emissions from Road Transport
5 Jul 2022
Non-exhaust emissions (e.g., brake, tyre and road surface wear) remain largely unregulated in the UK. This briefing note considers what we do and don’t know about non-exhaust emissions, why they are important, how they may respond to future changes, and how we can reduce their impacts.
Read our briefing note on Non-Exhaust Emissions from Road Transport
Air Quality in Transport Hubs
31 May 2022
Transport hubs (i.e., railway and bus or coach stations) may be important air pollution hotspots contributing significantly to overall pollutant exposure. This briefing note examines the current evidence and regulatory landscape with regard to these environments, and explores potential opportunities to reduce exposure.
Read our briefing note on Air Quality in Transport Hubs