Idling cars: CRRI to study loss

Newspaper: The Times of India
Date: 4th August 2016
Edition: New Delhi

Increasing traffic on roads has prompted the government to quantify the monetary loss from vehicles idling at intersections. As part of the 12th Five-Year Plan, CSIR-CRRI is carrying out a study -Evaluation of Economic Loss Due to Idling of Vehicles at Signalised Intersection and Mitigation Measures -across various cities, including Delhi. The pilot project will be conducted at Bhikaji Cama Place from Thursday.

Mukti Advani, who is undertaking the study for CSIR-CRRI, said, “The Bhikaji Cama Place intersection has an estimated traffic load of 2.5 lakh. We will conduct an awareness campaign asking people to switch off their engines if the wait is longer than 20 minutes.”

“We will also estimate the fuel saving potential if engines are switched off when the traffic signal is red”, added Advani.

As part of the study, a “before scenario “data was collected on July 26 for 24 hours. The data collected included a survey of classified traffic volume count, switching-off behaviour, speed delay and emission. Around 5% of the 2.5 lakh vehicles were surveyed. The “after scenario” data is planned to be collected later this month.

“The awareness campaign will be on from August 4 to August 10 through the day. We will also distribute pamphlets on-site, through newspaper distributors, in parking areas, banners, boards, etc”, Advani added.

Not only will the study quantify the loss from idling of vehicles at intersections, but CSIR-CRRI will also list mitigation measures.

Delhi government has been experimenting with cutting down carbon emissions with the odd-even schemes.