Urban Air & Noise Pollution

TRL has the capability to evaluate the impact of transport infrastructure projects or policy interventions, which result in changing traffic volumes and composition, on emissions and air quality within an area.  We also conduct specific Air Quality and Noise Impact Assessments for transport and other development projects. Our service includes the monitoring of baseline conditions, modelling of current and future air and noise emissions and the provision of information to support an environmental statement.

TRL provides strategic advice in the development of action plans for tackling congestion and reducing air and noise pollution. We conducted an evaluation of options for decreasing the impact of road traffic noise for the Greater London Authority and have worked with the West London Alliance to deliver solutions for West London's shared air quality problems. The latter project involved identifying air pollution hot-spots and potential mitigation measures, such as cleaner fuels and vehicles and public transport improvements to encourage modal shift.

Raising awareness of the cause and effects of pollution in the urban environment is vital to changing the attitudes and behaviours of people living and working within it. TRL has developed an air quality and climate change education programme, which is currently being piloted in schools in the London Borough of Brent.

Our key capabilities in this area include:

• monitoring of baseline conditions
• emissions and pollution dispersion modelling
• evaluating the impacts of emission-reduction policy interventions
• impact assessments for new development/transport infrastructure projects
• air quality assessments for local air quality management requirements
• development of action plans
• critical reviews of air quality guidance
• model verification procedures
• education and training.

For further information on our specialist expertise in noise, air quality and emissions, please see the Environmental Assessment section of this website.