Remote sensing devices are used to measure 'real world' emissions from motor vehicles. Roadside remote sensing is useful for identifying and assessing the key trends that influence the emissions performance of vehicle fleets. Regular monitoring highlights critical or emerging trends that may require future policy interventions.
The Transport Agency, along with Auckland Council and the Ministry of Transport, have been using remote sensing devices to measure emissions of the light duty vehicle fleet in Auckland since 2003. The latest campaign undertaken in 2011 conducted monitoring at seven roadside sites across the Auckland region for 10 days, and measured emissions of:
- carbon monoxide (CO),
- nitric oxide (NO),
- hydrocarbons (HC) and
- uvSmoke (which is used as an indicator of particulate matter – PM10).
All data collected so far have been collated into an on-road vehicle emission database that is publically available from NIWA ( e.somervell@niwa.co.nz ). All reports can be accessed below.
The Transport Agency has recently commissioned a follow-up research study – Understanding trends in vehicle emissions– which will involve a repeat monitoring campaign in Auckland in early 2015. The research project is being led by Golder Associates ( JBluett@golder.co.nz ) and results were due to be published in December 2015.
- The development, use and value of a long-term on-road vehicle emission database in New Zealand (Air Quality and Climate Change) - August 2013
- Trends in light duty vehicle emissions 2003 to 2011 (Auckland Council) - September 2012
- Are the harmful emissions from New Zealand’s light duty vehicle fleet improving? (NZ Transport Agency) - May 2011
- Auckland vehicle emission measurements: Light and heavy duty diesel vehicles 2005 (Auckland Council) - October 2010
- Auckland vehicle fleet emission measurements 2005: The Big Clean Up “Tune Your Car” campaign (Auckland Council) - August 2010
- On-road remote sensing of vehicle emissions in the Auckland Region 2003 (Auckland Council) - August 2003
- Comparison of VEPM (model) and RSD (on-road) vehicle emission factors (CASANZ workshop presentation) - December 2013
- VEPM versus RSD comparison (National Air Quality Working Group presentation) - November 2013
- Comparison of trends in predicted (VEPM) and real-world (RSD) emissions for the light duty fleet 2003 to 2011 - December 2013
For further information contact environment@nzta.govt.nz .