As COVID-19 grips the world, we are also seeing something positive. For some, even literally “seeing,” because the smog has become much less. That has a major cause: much less traffic, data from Google shows. There is a big reduction in particulate matter, a reduction in nitrogen and even a reduction in CO2 emissions, thanks to COVID-19.
Scientists see a link between areas with high air pollution and the number of COVID-19 infections. We have known for decades that air pollution has very negative effects on public health. And probably, therefore, on susceptibility to COVID-19. Much of the air pollution is caused by traffic.
Mobility of both people and goods has been changing for several years. In the Netherlands, after a period of decline, the number of traffic jams has risen again. We also see that people are not only traveling more, but longer. The average number of commuting kilometers has not decreased, but actually increased. Freight traffic on the road is increasing. Home deliveries have also grown tremendously due to online shopping.
The air pollution requirements for fossil fuel (freight) cars have become stricter year after year, thanks to EU regulations. And due to the government’s incentive policy for electric cars, part of the Dutch fleet is electric, unfortunately still a very small part. Fortunately, in the Netherlands we have 1 of the best public transport systems in Europe. So out of the car and into public transport, was the motto in recent years.
But as we already see in China, we expect for Europe too, a resort to the car. For fear of contamination for COVID-19, people will then just want to sit in traffic jams. And of course there will be people who will work more from home, now it appears that this is quite possible, but my expectation is that this will not save more than an average of 1 to 2 travel movements per week. And so it seems that COVID-19 will eventually cause more traffic and therefore more air pollution. And more air pollution, in turn, will increase the likelihood of COVID-19 infection. How to escape from this paradox? Some ideas:
Behavior
- Mandate working from home for those occupations that can. If the entire labor force with non-contact occupations make 20% fewer travel movements we ensure a substantial reduction in air pollution. An obligation sounds onerous, but it is far less onerous than the “intelligent” lockdown because of COVID-19, while air pollution accounts for many more victims
- Reward carpooling for top 10 congestion on highways. 1 car with 1 person really can’t be done in 2020. Because of the “Corona” fear, this does require the same people to be in the car together. If rewarding does not work, punishment can also be chosen.
- Safe OV. Mandatory mouth caps, placing plastic screens, visible decontamination measures. But also reserving your spot in OV that prevents crowding. There are already smart systems that show train occupancy in real time via an app.
- Educate about the dangers of air pollution and the role of traffic in it. This increases support. Also important is naming the “sence of urgency.
Adapt infrastructure
- Accelerated rollout of mobility hubs for goods. A number of municipalities in the Netherlands are already working on this, often for passenger transport. For goods, plans and examples already exist. Create a hub on the outskirts of a city for package delivery and distribute these packages in an environmentally friendly way. Delivery of large stores and heavy materials should also be looked at, but requires more change. Start here with the major parties to discuss a national approach.
- Making roads in cities car-free and reserving them for bicycles. For the Netherlands, this seems an unnecessary measure, as most municipalities already have policies for this. However, in order to keep the motorist out of the car for the last mile, such measures are necessary. Read here an integral vision on the developments of mobility and the city of the future. For example, consideration has also been given to transportation of the disabled.
Encouraging cleaner transportation
- Additional incentives for fossil-free passenger cars. Here it is important to realize that the greatest air pollution per kilometer is caused by the current stock of older cars, especially from private individuals. 50% of all car traffic is recreational. Measures will have to focus on this group in particular. For example, extra subsidies for handing in an old car and stimulating good and cheap e-car sharing alternatives on a non-commercial basis. This will provide the opportunity, motivation and incentive for citizens to go car-free in the future.
- I expect a lot from an incentive package for e-bikes. For the majority of traffic movements a great alternative that will not only improve air quality but also increase vitality through physical exercise.
Dynamic implementation (we know this from the Corona measures)
- Properly monitor the effects of these policies. Fast track measures off & on based on data. If insufficient results are achieved and air pollution is not reduced enough, take harsher measures. For example based on car license plate only a few days access to A & N roads from cars. Double BPM on fossil fuel cars.
They seem like big steps, but actually we are not only encouraging a reduction in air pollution and the associated health problems, but also the creation of a green economy, with green jobs and a healthier even more vital life. I expect that the business case, provided all indirect and direct effects are included, will be very positive for the Netherlands BV.