Good driving part of pollution solution

Research by the IAM shows that toxins in exhaust fumes have fallen by 80 per cent since their peak in 1990 and that today’s new lorries are quieter than 1970’s cars.

The findings in ‘Toxic emissions and noise’, published today by the IAM, show that the noise made by the average family car is now 74 decibels – normal conversation is between 60 and 70 decibels. Bus levels are 78 decibels and heavy lorries 80 decibels. In 1972 the level for a passenger car was 82 decibels.

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “Long-term exposure to road noise has been linked to increased levels of stress and high blood pressure, so it’s good news that we are turning down the volume on Britain’s vehicles. But drivers can reduce noise further by fitting low rolling resistance tyres and keeping to the speed limit. Starting up and moving off quickly in your diesel also helps and keeps the neighbours happy.”

Toxic exhaust emissions are also falling. In particular lead emissions are now close to zero and carbon monoxide emissions are a quarter of their 1990s levels. While this is largely due to catalytic converters cleaning exhaust fumes and the introduction of lead-free petrol, drivers can also take action to reduce levels of toxic fumes.

Greig said: “Driving at a constant speed is far more fuel efficient than accelerating and braking. Anything that makes traffic slow down and speed up is bad for both fuel consumption and air quality emissions - particulates such as brake dust and toxic gases. It is also safer as stopping increases the risk of being hit from behind.”

Next year, new tyre labelling will make make eco-driving even easier. By November 2012 all new tyres will carry a label indicating how much the tyre affects the car's fuel efficiency, about its performance in wet conditions and its external rolling noise in decibels.