This content is out of date and scheduled to be removed.

Lower motorway speeds could cut emissions by 19%

Image of Faye Sunderland
Author: | Updated: 20 Feb 2014 09:28

Emissions Analytics is using its real-world emission testing service to assess the impact of the introduction of 20mph zones and new, lower speed limits on motorways.

Using a traffic simulation based entirely on real-world test information, Emissions Analytics’ model shows how much real world vehicle emissions can deviate, sometimes drastically, from official figures.

M1 motorway flickr underbean2

In assessing the impact of an introduction of a new 60mph speed limit on sections of the M1, the firm has discovered that a drop in speed from 70mph to the new 60mph limit could result in average increase in fuel economy of 22 per cent; varying between 15 and 34 per cent based on the model of car. This fall would produce a corresponding drop in CO2 emissions of 19 per cent too.

Constructed using the data from around 400 vehicle tests, covering 90 per cent+ of UK new cars since 2011, the new traffic simulation system can more effectively calculate the fuel economy, as well greenhouse gas (CO2) and air pollution (NOx and CO) components which adjustments in speed can produce.

In assessing plans currently under consultation, to introduce a 60mph speed limit at certain times of the day, between junction 28 and 35a, Emissions Analytics realised its findings on the top five, best selling cars of 2011: 

Make

Model

Fuel

Engine
size

Optimum
speed

Difference in MPG between
70 mph and 60 mph

Ford

Fiesta

Petrol

1.25

45

23%

Ford

Fiesta

Diesel

1.6

46

20%

Ford

Focus

Petrol

1.6

50

15%

Ford

Focus

Diesel

1.6

42

22%

Vauxhall

Astra

Petrol

1.6

46

22%

Vauxhall

Astra

Diesel

1.7

45

25%

Vauxhall

Corsa

Petrol

1.2

48

19%

Vauxhall

Corsa

Diesel

1.3

43

34%

Volkswagen

Golf

Petrol

1.4

45

22%

Volkswagen

Golf

Diesel

1.6

47

15%

Emissions Analytics founder and CEO, Nick Molden, comments: “Vehicle behaviour and performance is changing fast, so it is important to have the most up-to-date dataset. Offsetting the CO2 benefits of lower speed, there may be less pollution improvement than expected as well as longer journey times.”

As well assessing the impacts of proposed new road schemes, the Winchester-based firm also supplied the data behind What Car’s breakthrough True MPG service, which provides motorists with real-world fuel economy figures.

Categories:
Previous Post Next Post
Not sure what car you want?
  • Easy-to-use tool
  • Save time and money
  • Meet your match
Find your dream car