The highways and transportation sector has both a responsibility and an opportunity to tackle pollution of all types, a requirement outlined recently in a CIHT article titled Designing Healthier Highways: Mitigating Noise, Light and Air Pollution. The article explores how pollution affects the environment through the introduction of harmful substances or contaminants.

As well as detailing the sources and effects of noise, light and air pollution, the article references a 2023 report by the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, which concluded that environmental noise and light “remain neglected pollutants, are poorly understood and poorly regulated despite their potential to negatively impact human health”.

A critical connection

The relationship between transport and pollution in the UK is significant. Road transport remains the largest source of domestic greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants, while street lighting, although vital for the safety of vehicle users, cyclists and pedestrians, can have negative impacts on the environment when used excessively.

Those impacts range from disrupting wildlife behaviour and navigation to a series of human health issues. Artificial light can interfere with the body’s natural circadian rhythm, leading to sleep disorders, increased stress and fatigue, as well as a heightened risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, depression and cardiovascular disease.

“It’s important to understand the balance between the beneficial outcomes of lighting related to active travel and safety, alongside the adverse effects,” the article states.

From problem to solution

The article outlines a range of potential solutions to these challenges. Reducing noise pollution in specific areas could be achieved through Public Spaces Protection Orders, which restrict anti-social activities that may cause excessive noise disturbance. Greening urban areas is also highlighted as a potential way to reduce overall noise levels.

The most significant opportunity for reducing light pollution is the continued implementation of smart lighting policies. These can reduce the environmental impact of artificial lighting while maintaining safety.

Suggestions for tackling air pollution include promoting sustainable transport such as active travel, public transport and electric vehicles, alongside expanding clean air zones in areas experiencing high pollution levels. “Implementing air quality policies is also important,” the article notes, highlighting the role of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone as an example.

Latest case studies

The article also includes real-world examples of initiatives taking these ideas forward. These include Noise Network Plus, a University of Surrey-led research project that promotes conscious design processes to create quieter products, buildings and transport systems.

Another example is the Decarbonising Street Lighting project led by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Part of the Department for Transport-funded ADEPT Live Labs 2 programme, the project aims to reduce light pollution while maintaining road safety and cutting carbon emissions.

Summing up, the article states: “The highways and transportation sector has both a responsibility and an opportunity to tackle pollution in all forms, helping to create healthier communities. Through thoughtful design, technological innovation and proactive asset management, it is possible to reduce harmful emissions, minimise intrusive lighting and create quieter transport corridors.”

CIHT is calling for these considerations to be embedded into policy, planning and practice to deliver transport networks that support public health, environmental resilience and wider societal wellbeing.

To download the article, visit:
https://www.ciht.org.uk/members-area/ciht-articles/designing-healthier-highways-mitigating-noise-light-and-air-pollution/

For more information, contact:
Matilda Fisher, Policy Advisor, CIH e: matilda.fisher@ciht.org.uk

Image - Light pollution on a UK motorway
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Image ID: 2199961659
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