Emissions from road traffic down by over 16 percent in ten years

© CBS
In 2023, 3.6 million kilograms of particulate matter were emitted from road traffic in the Netherlands, 16.3 percent less than in 2013. This reduction is mainly due to cleaner engines and the use of diesel particulate filters. Road traffic increased by 6.9 percent in terms of kilometres travelled compared to ten years earlier. Light commercial vehicles emitted less, in particular. This is according to new figures released by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

Particulate matter consists of solid and liquid particles that remain suspended in the air and can cause health problems. The smaller the particles, the further they can penetrate into the lungs. Airborne particulate matter is generated by road traffic through exhaust fumes and wear on tires, brakes and road surfaces.

Road traffic accounted for 12.6 percent of all particulate matter emissions in 2023, compared to 11.9 percent in 2013.

Largest emission reduction seen in light commercial vehicles

Particulate matter emissions from road traffic fell by 0.7 million kilograms between 2013 and 2023. Particulate matter emissions from light commercial vehicles fell by the most, with a decrease of 0.4 million kilograms. That was 40.4 percent less than in 2013. For passenger cars, the decrease was 9.6 percent.

During the coronavirus pandemic, road traffic was 13 percent lower in 2020 than it was in 2019. Particulate matter emissions also fell by 13 percent. The number of kilometres travelled rose by 13.8 percent in 2023 relative to 2020. In 2023, particulate matter emissions were 6.5 percent higher than in 2020, but 7.5 percent lower than in 2019.

Passenger cars are main source of particulate matter emissions

Most road traffic emissions (57.8 percent) came from passenger cars in 2023, which emitted 2.1 million kilograms of particulate matter, an average of 0.019 grams per kilometre.

However, light and heavy commercial vehicles emitted more particulate matter per kilometre, at 0.027 grams and 0.112 grams, respectively. Commercial vehicles include delivery vans, lorries, tractive units for semi-trailers and heavy special-purpose vehicles. They accounted for 38.9 percent of total particulate matter emissions.

Plug-in hybrids and diesel cars are the largest emitters of particulate matter per kilometre

Petrol-driven cars account for the largest share of emissions from passenger cars (68.8 percent). The majority of cars run on petrol, and collectively they cover the largest number of kilometres. They emit 0.018 grams of particulate matter per kilometer.

Diesel cars and plug-in hybrids emit only a limited amount of particulate matter. However, they emit the most particulate matter per kilometre, at 0.025 and 0.027 grams, respectively. Plug-in electric vehicles and hydrogen cars have the lowest emissions per kilometre (0.017 grams).

Cars that run on electricity or hydrogen do not emit particulate matter through fuel combustion, but through tyre and road wear. This applies to both fully electric cars and plug-in hybrids that run on electricity. Electric cars are generally heavier than comparable petrol-driven cars, partly because of the battery. The heavier the car, the more particulate matter is released due to wear and tear.

Sources