The CAR model: The Dutch method to determine city street air quality

Abstract

The CAR model (Calculation of Air pollution from Road traffic) is a simple parameterized model for the determination of air quality alongside roads (including street canyons) in cities. The calibration of the model, using data from the Dutch National Air Quality Monitoring Network, is described and a limited validation of the model is given. The model supports the implementation of air quality decrees under the Air Pollution Act by provincial and municipal authorities. Various applications of the model, including a scenario analysis for city street air quality in the Netherlands in the period 1989–2010, are presented.