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The environmental effects of changing speed limits: a quantile regression approach

Author

Listed:
  • Germà Bel

    (GiM-IREA, Department of Economic Policy. University of Barcelona)

  • Catalina Bolancé

    (Riskcenter-IREA, Department of Econometrics. University of Barcelona)

  • Montserrat Guillén

    (Riskcenter-IREA, Department of Econometrics. University of Barcelona)

  • Jordi Rosell

    (GiM-IREA, Department of Economic Policy. University of Barcelona)

Abstract

Two speed management policies were implemented in the metropolitan area of Barcelona aimed at reducing air pollution concentration levels. In 2008, the maximum speed limit was reduced to 80 km/h and, in 2009, a variable speed system was introduced on some metropolitan motorways. This paper evaluates whether such policies have been successful in promoting cleaner air, not only in terms of mean pollutant levels but also during high and low pollution episodes. We use a quantile regression approach for fixed effect panel data. We find that the variable speed system improves air quality with regard to the two pollutants considered here, being most effective when nitrogen oxide levels are not too low and when particulate matter concentrations are below extremely high levels. However, reducing the maximum speed limit from 120/100 km/h to 80 km/h has no effect – or even a slightly increasing effect –on the two pollutants, depending on the pollution scenario.

Suggested Citation

  • Germà Bel & Catalina Bolancé & Montserrat Guillén & Jordi Rosell, 2014. "The environmental effects of changing speed limits: a quantile regression approach," Working Papers XREAP2014-09, Xarxa de Referència en Economia Aplicada (XREAP), revised Dec 2014.
    • Handle: RePEc:xrp:wpaper:xreap2014-09
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