A research fellow at the University of Leeds has looked into low emissions zones (LEZs) from a social perspective, revealing that there could be access issues for vulnerable members of society.
Craig Morton analysed Edinburgh’s plans as a test case and discussed the findings at Road Expo Scotland.
The Scottish Government has pledged to work with local authorities to introduce low emission zones in Scotland’s four biggest cities by 2020, with Glasgow working towards having an LEZ in place by the end of 2018.
Mr Morton's spatial vulnerability assessment through the Leeds Institute of Transport Studies looked at several factors to an LEZ, including exposure – car fleet compliance and interaction with LEZ - sensitivity – median household income - and adaptive capacity – proximity to public transport proximity to LEZ and disability level.
It worked with the Department for Transport and the DVLA on aggregated vehicle data to create neighbourhood composition of vehicle type.
The study found: ‘The assessment suggests that some potentially vulnerable areas at the regional level have close proximity to public transport services, which could be used to directly access the city centre.
'Additionally the assessment illustrates that certain potentially vulnerable areas at the city level are within a reasonable active travel distance from the city centre but the populations of these areas have relatively high levels of disability which may restrict the capacity of their residents to travel by waking or cycling.’
Road Expo Scotland 2018 will take place at the Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh on 31 October and 1 November. If you want to be kept informed on developments or if you wish to receive details about sponsoring or exhibiting please email Dino Dionissiou at d.dionissiou@hgluk.com
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
