Keyword clean cars; standards and regulations; sustainable transport; eco-driving

The transport sector is one of the main sources of air pollution, particularly in urban areas due to the high concentration of vehicles. While the amount of air pollutants varies with vehicle types, motor vehicles are the major source of a number of air pollutants. The key emissions from the transport sector that have an impact on air quality are carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), hydrocarbons (also called volatile organic compounds), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), lead (Pb), particulate matter (PM) and air toxics (organic compounds and metals). Following chemical reactions, these primary emissions into the atmosphere can produce other pollutants, such as ground-level ozone. Many of these emissions also enhance the greenhouse effect. Air pollution has negative effects on human health and nature. These effects result mainly from ground-level ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and sulphur dioxide.

Air pollution policy issues are addressed by the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) and by European Community legislation and strategies, including the European Commission’s Clean Air for Europe programme (CAFE). Policy measures to mitigate air pollution must be developed and implemented at the international, national and local levels. WHO air quality guidelines for Europe serve as international references and a scientific basis for setting up European, national and local air quality limit values for the protection of human health and the environment.