Idling fuel consumption and emissions of air pollutants at selected signalized intersections in Delhi

Abstract

Abstract The present study was carried at eleven pre-timed signalized traffic intersections in Delhi (India) to estimate idling fuel losses and corresponding emissions. The estimates of idling fuel losses and corresponding emissions were expanded to ∼950 signalized intersections presently operational in Delhi city. In the study, idling fuel consumption tests were carried out using a fuel flow meter set-up on 341 test vehicles of different categories representing the traffic mix of Delhi. Direct greenhouse gases (viz., CO2, CH4, and N2O) and indirect greenhouse gases (viz., CO, NOx, and NMVOC) emissions were estimated using fuel-based IPCC emission factors. The results indicated that every day 9036 liters of petrol, diesel, LPG and 5461\u202fkg of CNG losses occurred due to the idling of motor vehicles at these intersections which is equivalent to nearly 4.5million USD per year. GHG emissions (CO2, CH4, and N2O) estimated were ∼37 tonnes of CO2 eq/day. The present study highlights the methodology that can be used to estimate idling fuel losses and corresponding emission at signalized intersections. Finally, policy interventions and mitigation measures have been suggested to reduce idling emissions and corresponding emissions at these signalized intersections.