The Impact of Speed Limit Change on Emissions: A Systematic Review of Literature

Stephen Kome Fondzenyuy (), Blair Matthew Turner, Alina Florentina Burlacu, Chris Jurewicz, Davide Shingo Usami, Steffel Ludivin Tezong Feudjio and Luca Persia
Additional contact information
Stephen Kome Fondzenyuy: World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA
Blair Matthew Turner: World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA
Alina Florentina Burlacu: World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA
Chris Jurewicz: World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA
Davide Shingo Usami: Center of Research for Transport and Logistics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
Steffel Ludivin Tezong Feudjio: Center of Research for Transport and Logistics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
Luca Persia: Center of Research for Transport and Logistics, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-17

Abstract: In the pursuit of sustainable mobility and the decarbonization of transport systems, public authorities are increasingly scrutinizing the impact of travel speed on emissions within both low-speed and high-speed environments. This study critically examines the evidence concerning emission impacts associated with speed limit changes in different traffic environments by conducting a systematic review of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 25 studies that met the eligibility criteria were assessed. The results reveal mixed evidence for reducing emissions through speed limit reductions in low-speed areas. However, emerging evidence suggests that reduced urban speeds may abate emissions through enhanced traffic flow and a shift in modal preferences away from personal vehicle use. Additionally, in urban areas, minor observed emission reduction per vehicle can add up to large overall reductions due to the high number of vehicles. In high-speed contexts, the evidence is much clearer, showing that reduced speed limits correlate with significant reductions in NOx, CO 2 , and particulate matter emissions. The extent of these reductions is highly variable and contingent upon the specific speed limits or limit reductions, the local context, the vehicle type, and the baseline types and levels of pollutants. Notably, there is a lack of research on the effects of speed on emissions, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), highlighting a critical area for future investigation. The findings of this study underscore the potential environmental benefits of speed management policies and advocate for the promotion of smoother and less aggressive driving behavior to mitigate emissions and enhance sustainable mobility in both low-speed and high-speed settings.

Keywords: sustainable mobility; speed management; emissions; speed limits; eco-driving (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7712-:d:1471712

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