Glasgow Low Emission Zone

Are Low Emission Zones Impactful for Air Quality and Human Health?

Agent-based traffic simulation to examine how Low Emission Zones are currently working in major cities around the world. Glasgow, one of the most recent cities to implement an LEZ scheme, was selected for our study. This research aims to develop a comprehensive agent-based traffic model (ABTM) to simulate traffic flow and emissions within Glasgow city centre, taking into account the recent implementation of the LEZ. Using the SUMO (Simulation of Urban Mobility) platform, we will create a detailed representation of the city’s traffic dynamics and associated emissions. This model will incorporate real-time data on vehicle movements, air quality measurements and other relevant parameters to provide an accurate assessment of the impact of the LEZ. This two-year project will look at key issues including the current state of traffic flow and pollution in Glasgow, the effectiveness of the Low Emission Zone in reducing pollution, and the possible effects of extreme scenarios like a vehicle-free city centre. Using ABTM, we plan to simulate different policy interventions and their effects on urban mobility and air quality. The results will provide valuable insights for policy makers to refine LEZ strategies and explore innovative solutions to improve air quality and traffic management in Glasgow and potentially expand the idea to major cities such as Auckland or Christchurch.

Presentation at Multi-Agent-Based Simulation 2024 Conference Proceedings