Impact of Covid-19 epidemiological measures, focusing on the reduction and consequences of road transport emissions

Abstract

Road transport is partly responsible for urban air pollution, which endangers the health of many people. Pollutants emitted by vehicles, according to WHO (World Health Organization) estimates, claimed the early deaths of 4.2 million people worldwide in 2016. The Member States of the European Union also try to control the emissions of harmful substances in various ways, hence transport greening plays a key role in Hungary's short- and long-term goals. However, on March 4, 2020, the coronavirus appeared in Hungary as well. In order to prevent a large-scale outbreak of the epidemic, schools were closed and stricter access restrictions were introduced in several stages, forcing companies and institutions to allow their employees to work from home. Factories and service industry have been forced to shut down, in part or in full, leading to a reduction in the number of road users, with a significant impact on human health, the economy and wildlife. As a result of the reduction of pollutant emissions, the air became clearer. However, due to the topographic conditions of our country, this process could only take place to a small extent and slowly until mid-April. At the end of April, windy, rainy weather removed pollutants from the atmosphere to an increased extent. The sky over Hungary became clear and blue. Greening traffic would help maintain this status quo.