Private cars, SUVs contribute significantly to traffic congestion and air pollution – Study

A recent study has revealed that private cars and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) play a considerable role in traffic congestion and air pollution on major roads in certain parts of Ghana. The research, led by Professor William Ackaah of the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), indicates the necessity for more sustainable transport planning and stricter measures to control emissions from vehicles.

Ackaah made these remarks at a clean air boot camp organized by the Clean Air Fund for local government officials, including Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Coordinating Directors, and Presiding Members.

The study, conducted across 25 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, involved traffic surveys and air quality monitoring to understand the relationship between vehicle movement and pollution levels. Google Maps was used to identify major road junctions with high traffic volumes before the team performed physical assessments, counted vehicles, and classified them based on their types.

SUVs and private cars constituted a substantial portion of the vehicles studied, despite carrying fewer passengers than some forms of public transport. This discrepancy raises concerns about the efficient use of road space and the promotion of public transport and sustainable mobility options.

The researchers also measured air pollutants, such as particulate matter, using specialized monitoring equipment, adjusting for factors like weather conditions. Pollution levels varied across locations, influenced by traffic volumes, vehicle composition, road conditions, and weather patterns. The findings indicated that pollution from busy road junctions could spread beyond the immediate roadside, with effects detected up to 200 meters away in some areas.

Ackaah pointed out that communities near major roads might be exposed to traffic-related pollution, necessitating local authorities to consider air quality in urban planning and infrastructure development.

The study also evaluated vehicle emissions against recommended standards to determine how well different vehicle categories met acceptable emission limits. Ackaah stated that these findings would inform policy briefs for assemblies and other stakeholders to implement measures reducing vehicle emissions and enhancing air quality. The evidence would also support targeted interventions, such as improved vehicle maintenance, better traffic management, and more sustainable transport systems.