Title: The multi-scale character of air pollution: impact of local measures in relation to European and regional policies - a case study in Antwerp, Belgium

Authors: Stijn Janssen; Wouter Lefebvre; Clemens Mensink; Bart Degraeuwe

Addresses: VITO, Environmental Modelling Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium ' VITO, Environmental Modelling Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium ' VITO, Environmental Modelling Unit, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium ' European Commission, DG JRC, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, TP 290, 21020 Ispra, (VA), Italy

Abstract: This paper describes a multi-scale modelling approach designed to assess the impact of policy plans at various decision making levels (European, regional and local). The modelling framework is applied for a case study in Antwerp, Belgium. Various tunnel options and traffic management plans for the Antwerp ring road are evaluated with respect to their impact on air quality in 2020 and 2025. The modelling approach takes into account those local action plans as well as regional and European policies for these time horizons. It has been shown that reduction of traffic intensity is one of the most important measures, without which it is unlikely that current European limit values will be attained in the near future at all locations near the Antwerp ring road.

Keywords: urban air quality; EU limit values; local measures; tunnels; air pollution; European Union; EU policy; regional policy case study; Antwerp; Belgium; multi-scale modelling; traffic management; traffic intensity; vehicle emissions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2014.065121

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2014 Vol.54 No.2/3/4, pp.203 - 212

Published online: 29 Oct 2014 *

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