Study to find out what idling vehicles at traffic signals are doing to air
The traffic police, Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) and Petroleum Conservation & Research Association (PCRA) are conducting a study to find out the amount of fumes generated from vehicles while idling at traffic signals. An earlier study had found that the maximum volume of vehicular fumes was generated due to slowing down of traffic at crossings. A total of 100 major crossings across the city have been selected for the study. Police teams will ask drivers to switch off their engines at signals that are longer than 20 seconds. The scientists will then measure the reduction in the amount of fumes generated. Based on the study, the traffic police will make changes in the timings of signals. Representatives of PCRA and CRRI met DCP traffic (southern) Eish Singhal on Thursday. As a part of the study, the number of drivers who refuse to switch off the engines would also be noted along with the reasons. An earlier study conducted by PCRA at Bhikaji Cama Place had revealed that the proportion of switched off vehicles “before”, “during” and “after” the awareness campaign was 20%, 62% and 53%, respectively. There was significant reduction in emission of harmful gases like CO2, NOx and CO. The study estimated that the potential fuel savings was about Rs 250 crore in Delhi itself. PCRA officials said that the campaign will check idling fuel consumption and corresponding emissions and signal designing. It will also include a study of existing status of visibility, hindrance, signal timings and accordingly give recommendation for repositioning of traffic lights and reconfiguration of signal timings. “With such campaigns, it is expected that there shall be significant improvement in switching off behaviour leading to fuel savings and reduction in emissions. There is a tremendous scope of saving fuel resulting in saving of precious foreign exchange,” said a PCRA official. The month-long awareness campaign will also include estimated fuel consumption and vehicular emission during idling time of vehicles. Awareness would also be spread among the public about switching off engines while idling at traffic intersections.
