Air Quality & Weather Systems

Resource management company Veolia will trial two electric refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) which are charged by power derived from waste collected in Sheffield, UK. The former diesel-powered vehicles are expected to operate by the end of the year. The company says the project is intended to demonstrate its commitment to the deployment of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles. Innovate UK has provided a £220,000 grant to Sheffield City Council which will allow the 26-tonne RCVs to operate over the next

UK-based air quality specialists EarthSense is developing an app which will identify and map clean air routes for people cycling or exercising. The company says the application could also help wider clean air strategies when combined with population movement data. According to EarthSense, collating this data would allow key decision makers to identify popular exercise routes and target resources to improve air quality at these locations. The app is being funded by the European Space Agency's grant

Extreme meteorological events have captured global headlines in recent years. Adam Hill talks to Vaisala’s Mark DeVries about what that means for transportation companies trying to keep roads clear. Extreme meteorological events have captured global headlines in recent years. Adam Hill talks to Vaisala’s Mark DeVries about what that means for transportation companies trying to keep roads clear

UK technology firm Magtec has installed an electric motor into a refuse collection vehicle in a bid to improve air quality in the borough of Greenwich. The upgrade is expected to extend the vehicle’s life by 14 years and save up to £300,000 compared to a Euro 5 or diesel model. Greenwich council’s prototype electric refuse collection vehicle (eRCV) is now being trialled alongside its fleet to make a case for repowering heavy commercial vehicles.

The extent to which ride-hailing has become a real force in the mobility landscape of San Francisco is great for consumers – but there are downsides, a report finds. Andrew Stone takes a look. Uber and Lyft, the two major ride-hailing platforms in San Francisco, are out-competing local cab firms in many ways - and are firmly established as a significant part of the daily mobility mix there, a recent study reveals. Researchers mined publicly-available data derived from the application programming interface

Automotive fuel retailer SpeedyQ Markets has chosen sustainability company GreenPrint to launch a programme to help offset tailpipe emissions in East Michigan. Called Drive, the project is intended to allow residents and visitors to decrease their impact on the environment when they refuel at any SpeedyQ locations. GreenPrint’s plan intends to enable a reduction of emissions at all grades at the pump through certified carbon investment projects such as renewable energy development and tree planting. The

The Czech Republic has the highest levels of toxic emissions caused by drivers, in a study of 25 European countries conducted by The Eco Experts. It found that Poland, Estonia, Croatia and Slovakia ranked in the top five counties for noxious drivers, making Eastern Europe the most toxic region in the continent. Czech drivers ranked the highest for using old and poor quality cars that are just over 14 years old. Results also showed that the number of cars powered by sustainable fuel alternatives is at 0.7

Two Bikeplus schemes in Scotland are inviting the public to take part in a socially inclusive project on the 13 April and a Go e-bike information event on the 23 April. Bikeplus and South East of Scotland Transport Partnership will host the Go e-bike programme at Victoria Quay, Leith. The scheme aims to improve accessibility, air quality and reduce carbon emissions. It will highlight different e-bikes in various contexts including St. Andrews, Clear Buckhaven, West Lothian Bike Library and an employer

Canada has joined forces with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) to upgrade its Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) with the intention of assisting companies and researchers in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the automotive industry. Under the agreement, ACE will add a Moving Ground Plane – a belt that serves as a road moving under a vehicle, simulating the aerodynamic forces against moving vehicles and measuring the physical characteristics in real-world conditions.

Mvis has launched two new variable message signs (VMS) to assist drivers with road closures, traffic accidents or planned maintenance work in the event of drivers needing to be re-routed. The signs are designed to be portable and mobile so that they can quickly be put into position with minimum disruption. For planned maintenance, messages can be scheduled at different times and dates using the Web Studio to warn motorists to make alternative plans. Changes can be made by any Wi-Fi-enabled Apple device for