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Environmental impact of transport

Transport plays a significant role in the development of the national economy and in raising the standard of living of the population. High quality transport infrastructure helps form a good basis for the development of the national economy.

As a bridge between the East and the West, Latvia should promote the efficient operation of its transport infrastructure (roads, bridges, railways) and transportation service. However, large volumes of transport flow can present significant dangers to human health and ecosystems, especially in large cities. In general, transport systems are known to have a negative effect on the global environment (see `Transboundary pollution`, `Reduction of biodiversity` and `Landscape degradation`).

At present, environmental standards for transport infrastructure, transport vehicles and cargo transport processes in this country do not correspond with those adopted by developed countries. This is illustrated by the decrease in air quality and increase in noise levels recorded in areas of intensive transport activity. In such places, the levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and lead have substantially increased, and occasionally exceed maximum allowable concentrations (source: Centre for Environmental Pollution Assessment, Hydrometeorological Agency).

Table 2. Changes over time of the main types of transport vehicles in Latvia:

From this table we can see that the number of transport vehicles with internal combustion engines (cars, trucks and buses) has increased during the last years, but the number of electrically driven vehicles (trams, trolley buses) has decreased. It is also expected that the number of internal combustion vehicles will continue to increase rapidly.

Measures and instruments

In order to minimise the damage to the environment and human health from transport, the following is necessary:

Development of transport infrastructure:

• Use of all levels of territorial planning for the planning of road networks and other transport infrastructure;
• EIAs for transport infrastructure developments;
• Establishment of effective links between institutions that adopt decisions on design of transport infrastructure developments;
• Open public participation in analysing and solving transport problems.

Regulation and optimisation of types and flows of transport :

In order for the transport system to develop with the least impact on the environment and human health, several measures are possible:

• improvement of public transport systems;
• promotion of environmental friendly modes of transport (bicycles, electric vehicles, etc.) and provision of incentives to increase their numbers;
• limitation of individual transport vehicles in towns;
• limitation of transit through densely populated areas;
• improvement of pipeline transport systems;
• improvement of telecommunications as an alternative to the use of transport.

For implementation of these measures, the following instruments are applicable:

• territorial planning;
• standards, limitations and prohibitions;
• taxes, licenses and penalties;
• subsidies and investments;
• public information and education, and public involvement in decision making.

Emission of hazardous substances and reduction of noise from transport vehicles:

• strict quality standards that would require the use of high-quality fuels, and efficient enforcement of standards;
• strict technological and environmental standards for the storage and use of fuels, lubricants and other chemicals used in the operation of transport vehicles;
• penalties for the sale of lower quality fuels and other chemicals used in transport operations;
• application of taxes to promote the use of environmentally friendly transport, clean fuels (unleaded petrol), and the use of catalytic converters;
• general information to and education of the public on the use of products that are less harmful to the environment;
• implementation of standards for gas emissions and noise levels corresponding to EU standards, and their effective enforcement;
• implementation of standards for the design and operation of transport vehicles (including pipeline transport) corresponding to EU standards and their efficient enforcement; for public transportation, also the introduction and enforcement of hygiene standards;
• introduction and enforcement of the Cabinet regulations ‘On the Technical Condition of Transport Vehicles’.

Implementation of a system for the final disposal of chemicals (lubricants, coolants, etc.) and spare parts used in the course of vehicle operation (see also `Environmental impact of waste`).

To implement this measure, the following instruments are applicable:

• territorial planning;
• standards, limitations and prohibitions;
• subsidies and investments;
• public information and education, and public involvement in decision making;
• becoming party to international conventions (see Appendix 2);
• adherence to the legal environmental and transport provisions of the EU.

Minimising the risk of transport accidents (see `Risks created by economic activities`)

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Last updated: November 8, 1996. The information prepared by Valts Vilnitis: fuxis@varam.gov.lv