European research shows that CO2 emissions from vehicles can de reduced by around five per cent by improved maintenance and design to make the surfaces smoother. The research was carried out by members of FEHRL (Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories).
The findings show that the condition of the road surface directly affects vehicle fuel consumption. If the surface is in poor repair, fuel energy will be wasted. This is because the so-called ‘Rolling Losses’ are higher. Energy is absorbed by suspensions systems in smoothing out the shocks from uneveness, joints, rutting and potholes. In addition energy is absorbed by the tyres in the increased flexing that will occur at the tyre/road interface.
Rather more obviously, a road network which is allowed to deteriorate will also lead to higher road maintenance or reconstruction costs over the long term – contributing to yet more avoidable CO2 emissions.
Based on a five per cent CO2 reduction, upgrading two thirds of Europe’s road network by 2030 could lead to yearly savings of 28 million tonnes of CO2 – equivalent to replacing six million cars with zero-emission cars.
The research study (http://bit.ly/2fbl57x) concludes by suggesting that the investment costs would be paid back by the resulting boost to the economy and jobs, fuel savings and reduced vehicle maintenance.
Thanks to the publication for this information. The pic is a metaphor for slow responses to highway faults in Hertfordshire