In the past years, the number of German cities exceeding the nitrogen dioxide air quality limit of 40 micrograms per cubic meter has steadily decreased (Federal Environment Agency, June 2019). However, there is still potential to reduce emissions even further. Eco-sensitive optimisation of road traffic can reduce the number of emission hotspots and the average emission load of cities.

Using a simulation, we were able to show the way in which both built-up areas, traffic and weather data are important considerations for emission dispersion. Importantly, this knowledge points to how metropolitan areas can mitigate high levels of emissions. This is achieved by coupling mathematical models, which can then serve as the basis for optimising traffic-flow with respect to a uniformly low distribution of emissions. Leveraging off this analysis, we present initial results of the simulation, using data collected from Frankfurt, and discuss a possible Pareto Optimisation for eco-sensitive traffic management. This paves the way to show how to lower air pollution for both cities and municipalities.

d-fine has many years of practical experience, plus the technological know-how regarding utilisation and analysis of both environmental and traffic data. This includes the handling of established data sources (e.g. sensor data, FCD) as well as the testing of new data (e.g. Probe Vehicle Data) or the use of specially adapted models (e.g. TREMOD). Through this approach, we are able to support innovation in road traffic optimisation and environmental management.