Environmental benefit analysis and policy implications of motor vehicles low-emission zones

By contrastive analyzing the implementation cases of low-emission zones at home and abroad, the effect of the improvement of air quality was evaluated, the existing problems were summarized, and the suggestions for further implementing the policy of motor vehicle low-emission zones were proposed. The research results showed that the implementation of the policy of low-emission zones for motor vehicles in European cities had effectively reduced the local air pollutants emissions from motor vehicles in the region, with PM₁₀ and NO_x emissions reductions by 1.9%-40.0% and 2.4%-31.0%, respectively. It also benefitted for the mitigation of traffic congestion and the improvement of regional air quality. Domestic cities had promoted the adjustment and optimization of the structure of motor vehicles through delimiting high emission motor vehicle restricted zones, which played a positive role in motor vehicle air pollutants reduction. Motor vehicle low-emission zone policy involved important issues such as residential livelihood and the right of roads, which required corresponding legal support and balancing the relationship between social-economic development and environmental protection. As for implication for future policies, it was recommended to carry out environmental quality sensitivity analysis, strictly select and set up restricted areas, distinguish motor vehicle attributes (commercial or civilian) and types (fuel types or emission standard grades, etc.), and concentrate on limiting the commercial vehicles of high emission intensity and high use intensity, reducing the restrictions on civilian motor vehicles, and improving the pertinence and effectiveness of the policy.