The Oxford Bus Company has announced it’s to collaborate with the University of Oxford and Oxford City Council to conduct a detailed emissions study on buses across the city, pinpointing ‘pollution hotspots.’
A group of experts from the University’s Engineering Science department are measuring NOx emissions from buses on some of the city’s key routes.
Using accurate Global Positioning Systems (GPS), the emissions measurements can identify where the NOx is emitted to within 30cm.
The goal of the study is to establish precisely where NOx emissions are at their highest in the city, and identify where there may be a need for additional measures to cut pollution levels.
Such measures could include improved road layouts and revised traffic calming – preventing buses from remaining stationary for longer than is necessary.
The operator has partnered with the University and the City Council to better understand pollution in the city, amid a local government consultation on a Zero Emission Zone in the centre – which could see all polluting vehicles removed from the area from 2020.
Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said: “The Zero Emissions Zone proposals are great in principle, if the technology, battery capacity and vehicle range is ready for vehicles to sufficiently switch to electric within two years.
“We believe this forensic analysis will be of great benefit to key stakeholders in shaping the future of the city.”
