The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE) is pushing for smoother driving in order to stop harsh acceleration and braking, which in turn increases pollution.
Health experts believe that emissions can be drastically reduced this way, seen as how over 64% of air pollution in urban areas is caused by road traffic.
Among their solutions is the removal of speed bumps, the introduction of more variable speed limits, plus so-called “no-idling” zones and further congestion charging, as reported by Auto Express.
One alternative to speed bumps is the introduction of 20 mph (32 km/h) speed zones in areas with stop-start traffic, while real-time 50 mph (80 km/h) variable speeds could be implemented on motorways to encourage free-flowing traffic.
“The battle against air pollution has to be one we are all fully committed to”, said Professor Mark Baker, director of the center for guidelines at NICE. “This draft guidance seeks to redesign how we work and live in cities. When finalized, its recommendations will ensure that everyone who has the power to make the changes required can be confident in the action they are taking.”
According to the draft report, towns and cities should also consider “no-idling” zones around schools in order to prevent parents leaving their engines running when dropping off or picking up their kids.
Other suggestions proposed by NICE include car-free days for certain areas and siting cycle routes away from main roads.
