Air Quality & Weather Systems

Dynamic message sign (DMS) manufacturer SES America (SESA) has developed an enhanced version of traditional LED blank out signs with a practical design for custom solutions, which is says is ideal for displaying three to four messages or symbols as an alternative to full matrix DMS messaging.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has rejected Volkswagen Group of America’s submitted recall plan for 2-litre diesel passenger vehicles sold in California between 2009 and 2015, saying it is incomplete. CARB also notified VW of violations of California air quality regulations associated with the company’s use of a ‘defeat device’ in those cars. "Volkswagen made a decision to cheat on emissions tests and then tried to cover it up,” said CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols. “They continued and compounded

For ITS to gain the recognition it deserves, Q-Free’s Knut Evensen argues that the sector must have a coherent message and avoid confusing the wider community with a bewildering array of terms and acronyms. Any industry or group of people will develop its own lexicon over time. The process is near-inevitable, as individuals’ knowledge bases increase and evolve, and terms for common wisdom are created and become truncated, or even slang. A danger, though, as a relatively small group looks to admit large numb

The European Parliament has voted to approve the creation of an inquiry committee to investigate breaches of EU rules on car emission measurements. The committee will be tasked with carrying out a thorough investigation of the VW scandal. Following this examination, it will aim to set up a new procedure that will effectively prohibit similar emissions cheating in the future.

The UK’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) says exempting cars from the proposed Clean Air Zones in five English cities is a missed opportunity to significantly improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that Birmingham, Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham and Derby would be required to introduce Clean Air Zones to reduce concentrations of nitrogen dioxide by 2020 at the latest.

SES America’s energy efficient M6000 series of dynamic messaging signs, which require no cooling or ventilation systems, has recently received full approval for application anywhere on the Georgia highway system. The M6000, available in both colour and amber, comes in assortment of sizes or if needed customisation is entirely viable. The amber signs can be supplied in either solar or mains power versions. The M6000 utilises web based software in conjunction with SESA’s SCUV6 dynamic message sign co

The International Association of Public Transport, UITP, has welcomed the landmark climate agreement made in Paris at the weekend but reminds governments that more must be done to bridge the emissions gap. The agreement was made by 195 nations, with, for the first time, all nations committing to a common cause on climate action based on their historic, current and future responsibilities. According to UITP, despite the landmark deal, the promises given by countries to curb their emissions in the run-u

On 14 December, MEPs in the Committee for the Environment (ENVI) voted to reject a weak proposal to measuring real driving emissions for NOx. FIA Region I had urged policymakers to reject the real driving emissions implementation measures that were on the table and instead call for the introduction of a realistic real driving emissions test. FIA Region I Director General, Jacob Bangsgaard, said: “MEPs have roundly rejected a weak proposal which would place no real pressure on vehicle manufacturers to im

In the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, Germany's transport minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced that major automakers would have to disclose their engine software to state regulators, according to German website The Local. Dobrindt also announced there would be follow-up tests by the state motor transport authority KBA to double-check the results of exhaust tests ordered by the manufacturers. The minister said there would be "a comprehensive package of measures" to tighten the approval

Atkins North America is to play a key role in the development of a freeway that aims to boost safety, mobility and accessibility in Las Vegas. Considered the most important and ambitious project in Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT) history, it also accommodates regional economic redevelopment through improved access to downtown Las Vegas and the Resort Corridor. As design lead on the team led by Kiewit Infrastructure West, Atkins will manage all design and engineering services for NDOT’s Pr