Implementing roadside technology to detect high-emitting vehicles improves urban air quality.

Vehicle emissions are the most significant source of air pollution in the urban environment worldwide, impacting the climate and the health of millions of people. Reducing air pollution is a key target of the United Nations sustainable development goals.

«Car exhaust fumes contain poisonous gasses such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter that cause lung cancer, heart failure, asthma and other diseases,» says research co-author, Professor John Zhou from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

«Remote sensing equipment uses a sensor and light beam to measure chemical concentrations in the exhaust as a vehicle drives past. A camera records the licence plate, so vehicles can be identified for inspection and repair,» he says.

Although new cars are required to meet emissions standards, older cars, those with high kilometres and cars that have been modified, or not well maintained, can malfunction and have significantly higher emission levels, leading to high levels of air pollution.

Researchers from UTS partnered with the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department (HKEPD) and the Hong Kong Vocational Training Council to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of Hong Kong’s remote sensing enforcement program.

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Materials provided by University of Technology Sydney. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.