Large cities are struggling with air pollution, which can lead to many health complications. Transport has a major impact on pollution levels, especially in the city centre. Cities in Poland have just begun the process of introducing clean transport zones in these areas. This solution is causing changes in the functioning of urban transport systems. The new solution entails many challenges.
A new article entitled "Evaluating low-emission-zone impacts on urban road transport system in large city" published in the prestigious international scientific journal Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment examines the impact of the potential introduction of a low emission zone (LEZ) on the road transport system in Lodz.
The aim of the research was to assess the impact of introducing Clean Transport Zones on the road transport subsystem. The introduction of SCT is primarily motivated by limiting the impact of transport on climate change. As the simulations have proven, introducing such solutions can of course lead to a reduction in the emission of air pollutants
– says Dr Marta Borowska-Stefańska from the Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy at the faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Lodz
She adds: However, it should be remembered that this assessment ignores changes related to avoided trips or the means of transport used.
In turn, dr bab. Szymon Wiśniewski, Associate Professor at the University of Lodz from the Institute of the Built Environment and Spatial Policy at the Faculty of Geographical Sciences states:
The idea of taking up the topic results from the growing need to examine the impact of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) on the transport behaviour of residents of large cities in Poland. Increased ecological awareness and the need to reduce emissions from transport, which is one of the main sources of pollution, especially in city centres characterised by intensive spatial mobility, have become an important research context. The research is a part of the framework of student education at the Faculty of Geographical Sciences of the University of Lodz, where we focus, among other things, on the issues of ecology in cities and urban challenges of the 21st century.
New solutions, i.e. new possibilities and a number of questions
The newly published paper analyses various scenarios covering the spatial scope of the zone itself, as well as the stages of its implementation and the types of vehicles using the road network (by vehicle age, engine capacity and type of fuel used). Experts agree that their analyses provide unique data from Central and Eastern Europe, where economic, infrastructural and social specificities may influence the acceptance and effectiveness of SCT-related policies (in a different way than in Western countries).
The researchers write: "When it comes to car journeys in Poland within city limits alone, Lodz ranks second in terms of time spent in road traffic. The study in Lodz, examining potential early public reactions to the introduction of a low emission zone and its subsequent modifications, provides valuable data on the implementation of such zones, especially in the context of CEE cities."
Prof. S. Wiśniewski adds:
In Poland, low emission zones are a new element of transport systems, and their impact on the behaviour of residents remains undocumented. Additionally, legislative changes introduced in 2023 allowed local authorities to create such zones, which raises the need to examine their effects in the context of transport and spatial policy.
The researchers also stated in their study that: "The analyses which were carried out showed that although the implementation of the low emission zone will have a positive impact on the environment, it will have a negative impact on the efficiency of the urban transport system itself. Simulations for each spatial scenario of the LEZ showed that it will increase travel times and distances necessary to travel within the city limits, as well as reduce travel speeds."
City authorities are forced to analyse the costs and benefits of introducing such zones. On this basis, they should make a decision on the spatial scope of the zone and at the same time implement actions that will affect, for example, changes in the modal split, so as to prevent the transport system from becoming inefficient
– notes Dr Marta Borowska-Stefańska notes.
Such studies have the potential to strengthen the dialogue between authorities, residents and scientists, raising ecological awareness and social acceptance for pro-ecological activities, which in the long term will translate into an improvement in the quality of life of residents and environmental protection
– says Prof. S. Wiśniewski.
The analyses will be expanded to include other cities in the future, as the researchers were awarded funding under the OPUS 27 NCN competition to carry out a research project entitled “Rola stref czystego transportu w kształtowaniu zachowań transportowych mieszkańców dużych ośrodków miejskich w Polsce” [The role of clean transport zones in shaping the transport behaviour of residents of large urban centres in Poland]. Dr hab. Szymon Wiśniewski, Associate Professor from the Faculty of Geographical Sciences is the head of the research. The research team also includes Dr Marta Borowska-Stefańska and Dr Mariusz Lamprecht (Faculty of Geographical Sciences). The amount of the awarded funds is PLN 817,254.
What are clean transport zones and how will they influence the lives of city dwellers?
Clean transport zones, also known as Low-Emission Zones (LEZ), are areas in cities where entry restrictions have been introduced for vehicles that do not meet certain emission standards. Their main goal is to improve air quality, reduce emissions of harmful substances such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and support sustainable urban development.
Through these activities, clean transport zones contribute to the protection of public health by reducing the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular and other diseases related to environmental pollution. At the same time, these zones promote ecological forms of mobility, such as public transport, electric vehicles, bicycles and walking.
In practice, clean transport zones operate by introducing restrictions for vehicles that do not meet exhaust emission standards, such as EURO standards, which may involve entry fees, restricted access or a complete ban on movement in the zone. This area may include entire city centres or their selected parts, depending on local conditions and the priorities of city authorities.
Clean transport zones are an important element of pro-ecological policy, supporting actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transform cities towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly ones.
They not only enable emission reductions, but also support the development of green infrastructure, investments in modern public transport and the implementation of mobility management technologies, which contributes to improving the quality of life of residents and environmental protection.
The research was financed by the National Science Centre [2019/35/D/HS4/00697] [2023/49/B/HS4/01406].