Are Low Emission Zones Effective in Reducing Emissions and Ambient Air Pollution?

Abstract

Glasgow, a major city in the UK, faces ongoing challenges with traffic congestion and high levels of air pollution. In response, Glasgow City Council introduced Scotland’s first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in June 2023. This study investigates the potential impacts of the LEZ on traffic flow, emissions and public health outcomes using an agent-based modelling approach. Using the SUMO traffic simulator, the work in-progress model simulates the complexity of urban traffic dynamics and the associated emissions. Preliminary results highlight emissions fluctuations influenced by traffic congestion and vehicle stops, with significant emissions reductions observed under LEZ-compliant scenarios. The study also identifies critical challenges, including traffic collisions due to inadequate infrastructure and limitations of real-time traffic data. These findings highlight the need for calibrated traffic patterns and infrastructure improvements to maximise the effectiveness of the current LEZ simulation.