This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
According to a study, the most crucial factor in reducing exhaust pollution from motor vehicles is the road they drive on. This often-overlooked aspect has a significant impact on fuel consumption and emissions.
For instance, a 15km trip from the suburbs into the city centre can take anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. In congested conditions, the average saloon car uses about 2 litres of fuel, compared to 1 litre under optimum conditions.
Smooth roads with enough capacity to allow steady traffic flow can halve fuel consumption for commuter vehicles, resulting in significant economic savings and reduced emissions. Steady speed helps achieve optimum combustion of fuel, reducing the production of harmful emissions such as hydrocarbons and nitrous oxide.
By prioritizing smoother roads and steady traffic flow, Kenya can make a substantial impact on reducing exhaust pollution. This approach would not only save fuel and reduce emissions but also lead to significant economic benefits and improved air quality.
Only when the road network is optimized can we focus on finer details such as high-tech vehicle design and driver behavior. In the meantime, riddling smooth roads with speed bumps or slow vehicles is unnecessary and counterproductive.
