New STA Technical Report reveals good road surface conditions allow reductions of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions up to 3.5% for light vehicles and 4% for heavy vehicles

A new STA publication (“Analysis of the relationship between road pavement maintenance condition, fuel consumption and vehicle emissions”) authored by Dr Elena de la Peña and Mr Jacobo Díaz of the Spanish Road Association has served to:

• Show the importance of road surface condition on the fulfilment of the emission reduction commitments.

• Quantify the variation of vehicle fuel consumption in a road section with good / bad surface condition.

• Quantify the consequent variation of CO2

• Assess potential CO2 emissions linked to a whole road network in proper maintenance condition.

STRIA Roadmap on transport infrastructure 2019 update report now available

The first STRIA roadmap on transport infrastructure was published in 2017. In order to include new developments in transport and to address several gaps in previous roadmaps, the Commission has updated several STRIA roadmaps in 2019, including the roadmap for transport infrastructure. The STRIA roadmap for transport infrastructure aims to: (i) map out plans for…

STA participates in the 1st Online Congress on Sustainable Urban Mobility (COMUS)

The first Online Congress on Sustainable Urban Mobility (COMUS) was held on 20-24 April 2020. This 100% online event gathered 50+ panellists in the fields of sustainability, innovation and current mobility trends in the transport world.

STA President, J. Papí represented STA at the event with a presentation on the “Key Challenges for…

SMARTI European Training Network publishes 2019 annual report

SMARTI ETN (Sustainable Multifunctional Automated and Resilient Transport Infrastructures) is an EU-funded training-through-research programme supported by STA that is training a new generation of multi-disciplinary professionals able to conceive the future of transport infrastructures. Launched in 2017, the SMARTI ETN comprises 15 individual research projects exploring cutting-edge technologies for a new generation of transport…

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NEWS OF INTEREST

EU: Hyperloop and hydrogen backed by new EU Smart Mobility Strategy

The new Smart Mobility Strategy of the European Commission will back innovative modes of travel as well as setting ambitious targets for zero-emissions vehicles in Europe’s roads by 2050. The newly announced masterplan follows the European Green Deal, set out over a year ago which hopes to see carbon emissions slashes by up to 90 % by 2050.

ITF Road Transport Platform: Covid-19 Dashboard

Information about the measures introduced in European countries in light of Covid-19 is provided by the ITF/ECMT member countries national Competent Authorities and Observer organisations. The information is updated following incoming information from the member countries and observers. Information from ECMT member countries, European Commission and International Road Transport Union are listed.

UK: What has the Covid-19 situation done to motorway traffic?

The media reported a rebellion against lockdown this week after signs of increased motor vehicle use were presented in the Government’s Downing Street briefing on 1st April. The chart presented by Dr Yvonne Doyle, Director for Health Protection and Medical Director, compared the percentage change in all motor vehicle use versus rail, TfL bus and TfL tube use. It is not clear which data are being used to collate these figures but the increase in use of motor vehicles from the 29th to 30th March was called “slightly concerning” and advice to stay at home were reiterated.

Australia: Blacktown trials road cooling solution

Blacktown City Council is trialling a road cooling solution in Western Sydney, in an effort to reduce the urban heat island effect from the roads. CoolSeal is a light grey coloured coating which can be 5-14C cooler than regular dark asphalt on a hot day and is now being trialled on a number of streets in Ropes Crossing. The trial is being conducted in partnership with the City of Parramatta and Campbelltown Councils, and Western Sydney University. It will investigate how lighter coloured roads can help reduce the amount of heat being absorbed and retained by roads on hot days