Research into the impact of speed bumps on particulate matter air pollution

Abstract

Most traffic accidents occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris or other stationary obstruction, such as a tree or utility pole. One of the most popular speed regulation implement is speed bumps. Speed bumps are installed in residential areas and towns to regulate the speed of traffic. When vehicles pass through them air pollution with particulate matter increases due to emissions from vehicles during braking and particulate matter dispersion. Transport is one of the particulate matter emission sources of the size of 10 μm (PM10) and less that are harmful to humans and nature in general, have been studied. Air pollution with particulate matter at speed bumps was assessed analysing speed bumps structures of different types installed in Lithuania's different residential areas. According to the research it was found particulate pollution at different car number and relative humidity. As determined according to the results of the performed research, air pollution with particulate matter increases by 2–5 times. Pollution near the trapezium-shaped pedestrian crossings increased 55.7% and near the plastic circular speed bumps – 58.6%.