Transport contribution to air quality

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DPSIR: Impact

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Road transport is the largest contributor to NO_x emissions in Europe and the second largest for PM₁₀. The data analysed from selected stations in major urban agglomerations indicate that both mean and maximum values of NO₂ concentrations at road traffic stations appear to remain stable during the period 1999-2001 and are accompanied by a similar tendency in the background concentrations. For PM₁₀ the situation appears more complex, since mean values at road traffic stations appear to remain stable, whereas the maximum values vary considerably over the same period. Both mean and maximum urban background PM₁₀ values remain stable. Overall the decrease in emissions does not appear to have a significant influence on the air quality and the increase in the number of vehicles is off-setting the technological and fuel quality improvements.