The COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 presented a unique opportunity to assess how traffic can influence air pollution.
In this article just published in Atmospheric Research https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016980952600030X
the authors demonstrate that in the Veneto region, a 40% reduction in traffic led to an observed reduction in PM10 concentration of up to 30%.
To understand whether the specific atmospheric conditions of the period influenced the release of PM10 concentrations, meteorological data from ground-based stations and radiosondes, along with ERA5 reanalysis data, were analyzed to better define the role of meteorology in reducing pollution concentrations. The analysis does not identify significant changes in meteorological conditions.
The improvement in PM10 concentrations during the lockdown period highlights the potential benefits of traffic reduction in achieving air quality objectives. Unfortunately, current strategic plans are insufficient, highlighting the urgent need for significant changes in traffic management strategies in the region.