Yunex Traffic explains how they help local authorities monitor air quality and reduce emissions.
Local authorities take their environmental responsibilities seriously, developing and deploying solutions that help measure, monitor and continually improve their impact, benefiting the people who live, work, visit and study in their cities. The Combined Liverpool City Area Authority (LCRA) is an excellent example of such a forward-thinking authority.
Bringing together the six local authorities in the Liverpool City region – Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral – LCRA has recently commissioned two initiatives which demonstrate its commitment to improving air quality, driving decarbonisation and create value. LCRA’s commitment to addressing the major issues that affect all of its citizens is reflected in these two programs, which contribute to solving environmental and air quality problems.
Measure and monitor air quality
LCRA has recognized that air quality monitoring is essential, not only to measure the impacts of different interventions over time, but also to develop and implement effective environmental strategies in real time. This database will help the Authority to define and orient its major strategic plans, as well as to shape tactical responses to traffic management in real time, based on the environmental results observed.
To achieve this, LCRA awarded a contract to Yunex Traffic for the supply and installation of 37 Zephyr® air quality monitors. The monitors were installed in existing traffic signal locations across the six LCRA authorities and integrate with their existing Yunex Traffic Stratos traffic management and control systems. This will allow environmental data trends to be reviewed and analyzed and will help the Authority define environmental strategies based on real-time data on pollution, temperature and humidity, as well as on the quality levels of the air.
Using innovative technology, Zephyr® sensors measure nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO) and ozone (O3) in real time, as well as fine particles PM1, PM2.5 and PM10. Carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) can also be measured, if required.
Reduce CO2 emissions and save energy with retrofit technology
Decarbonization and energy consumption are two key issues that LCRA has also addressed through affirmative action, ensuring the sustainability of the region’s transport infrastructure in a cost-effective way. As part of a Transforming Cities funding project, Yunex Traffic is working closely with the Authority to upgrade more than 750 traffic light sites in the region. The program will see existing halogen running lights upgraded with our LED center light source technology, which consumes less energy while providing improved visibility and reliability.
This solution is expected to provide LCRA with energy and cost savings of approximately 75%, as well as significantly reducing the need for regular maintenance visits to replace and clean lamps. It is estimated that each year the new traffic lights will generate savings of over 1,300 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and energy savings of nearly £400,000, supporting improvements in environmental, economic and sustainability. social.
The upgrade will retain existing road infrastructure, while providing LCRA with low maintenance, long life and energy efficient LED signs that provide better visibility in all weather and lighting conditions. This LED retrofit solution will allow authorities to leverage existing investments in equipment and infrastructure, especially with Yunex Traffic-enabled assets, and avoid the waste and costs associated with full retrofits.
Thousands of traffic lights in the UK are still fitted with traditional incandescent halogen signal lamps, which will soon become obsolete. Our work with LCRA follows similar modernization schemes we have put in place for authorities across the UK, including in London and Greater Manchester, with each solution ensuring the future proofing of the LCRA’s road sign equipment. authority against the obsolescence of halogen lamps and any subsequent risk of lamp supply and maintenance.
These air quality modernization and monitoring initiatives are just two examples of the many programs in place across the UK that are delivering operational and safety benefits to local authorities, supporting their drive to improve air quality and sustainability for the benefit of our cities. As LCRA recognises, “a modern and efficient transport system is what defines major international cities and urban regions” and we are delighted to help local authorities across the UK achieve their transport goals.