The impact of COVID-19 partial lockdown on traffic-related air pollution in a car-oriented island

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on global public health and has caused significant disruptions to economies worldwide. However, amidst these challenges, a silver lining emerged as travel restrictions implemented during lockdowns resulted in a noticeable decrease in associated air pollution. Numerous cities reported instances of remarkably clear air (e.g., Skiriene & Stasiškien, 2021; Hu et al., 2021; Briz-Redón et al., 2021), and Malta similarly experienced improved air quality during the partial lockdown period between March and June 2020. This chapter aims to demonstrate that reducing unnecessary fossil fuel-powered mobility can lead to a reduction in pollution, particularly when supported by appropriate policies that are effectively implemented. The research objectives are threefold. Firstly, to illustrate that traffic-related air pollution, specifically the pollutant nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), exhibited a significant decrease during the partial lockdown in Malta, where traffic serves as the primary source of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Secondly, to investigate individuals’ attitudes towards changing their mode of travel to mitigate pollution. Thirdly, to conduct a comprehensive review and evaluation of existing policies and strategies aimed at reducing traffic related air pollution. This research contributes to the evolving literature on mobility during and beyond the pandemic, specifically addressing the concept proposed by Budd and Ison (2020) of “responsible transport,” defined as: safe, secure and equitable mobility that embeds social, economic and environmental wellbeing at the heart of post-COVID transport policy, planning and operations and enables individuals to make considered transport choices.