Whelan Isabelle, Luiu Carlo, Pope Francis D
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Dec 9;21(12):1638. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21121638.
Globally, the transport sector is a major contributor to air pollution. Currently, in the UK, vehicle emissions contribute significant amounts of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) pollution in urban areas. Low-emission-zone policies have been used as an intervention to tackle air pollution, and in this context, the UK launched the Low-Traffic Neighbourhood scheme. This study investigates the impacts of the Low-Traffic Neighbourhood in Kings Heath, Birmingham, UK, to evaluate its impact in reducing air pollution and local community perspectives about the scheme and perceived impacts on health and well-being. This study employs a mixed-method approach comprising an air-quality-monitoring assessment and a survey questionnaire involving 210 residents. The findings reveal an increase in active travel and a reduction in air pollution levels in the years after the implementation of the scheme, although the area is still non-compliant with the 2021 WHO air quality guidelines. Nonetheless, the scheme has a polarising effect and created a division within the local community about the overall scheme acceptance and spatial distribution of the scheme's benefits. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive baseline data, long-term community engagement, and integration with broader urban planning initiatives to enhance the success of future Low-Neighbourhood Traffic schemes.
在全球范围内，交通部门是空气污染的主要来源。目前在英国，车辆排放是城市地区氮氧化物（NOx）和颗粒物（PM）污染的重要贡献因素。低排放区政策已被用作应对空气污染的一项干预措施，在此背景下，英国推出了低交通流量社区计划。本研究调查了英国伯明翰金斯希思低交通流量社区的影响，以评估其在减少空气污染方面的作用，以及当地社区对该计划的看法，以及对健康和福祉的感知影响。本研究采用了一种混合方法，包括空气质量监测评估和一份涉及210名居民的调查问卷。研究结果显示，该计划实施后的几年里，主动出行有所增加，空气污染水平有所降低，尽管该地区仍不符合世界卫生组织2021年的空气质量指南。尽管如此，该计划产生了两极分化的效果，在当地社区内就该计划的整体接受度以及计划效益的空间分布产生了分歧。本研究强调了全面基线数据、长期社区参与以及与更广泛的城市规划举措相结合对于提升未来低交通流量社区计划成功率的重要性。
