Experiments

The traffic counters will count the number of cars, bikes, and pedestrians in the road, while the air quality monitors will measure particulate matter in the air. The data from both monitors will be publicly available via open access websites. UCD will develop activities with the schoolchildren that aim to reduce the number of cars outside the school and to increase the number of active travel (pedestrians and cyclists), with children acting as ambassadors of change for more sustainable, eco-friendly behaviours. The traffic counter will record the day to day changes in cars and active travel, which will show how successful these activities are. In addition, the data from the air quality monitor will show how these changes translate into levels of particulate matter pollution.

Background

Traffic and transport infrastructure are well-known problems in Dublin. In 2019 a global survey ranked Dublin as the 6th most congested city in Europe and the 14th most congested city in the world. A previous research report suggested that in 2018 Dublin commuters spent a total of 246 hours or more than 10 full days in their cars . Emissions from traffic, and in particular from stop-and-go traffic in congested conditions, are a major source of air pollution. Traffic-related air pollution is a known health risk, and children are especially vulnerable as their lungs are still growing. In addition, high traffic intensities of motorised vehicles increase the risk of collisions and accidents, and road safety is a particular concern in school areas.

Therefore, encouraging active travel around schools has many benefits. It reduces motorised traffic, which improves air quality and road safety. It promotes exercise, which improves health. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to positive climate action.