The EU DG Clima speaker at the Taxis4SmartCities, Alexandre Paquot (Head of Road Transport), pointed out that road transport is responsible for one third of greenhouse gas emissions in the broadest possible sense, three-quarters of which come from cars and that emissions from that sector since 1990 has only increased. The Commission’s approach is to reduce those emissions, increase the efficiency of the transport system and to aim for as many ‘carbon-free’ fuels as possible. Ultimately, not only EU citizens, but also companies benefit from all climate measures. It is certainly important too: in this endeavour, Europe – where only 1% of total vehicle sales are ‘clean vehicles’ – must also play a leading role in environmental technology. Certainly in comparison with China, which, actively supported by its government takes large strides on the clean(er) climate path. For this too, the far-reaching measures that the EU wants to take (see below) are absolutely essential.
The fact that taxis in their daily operation can also play a role in the collection of climate data was illustrated by Georges de Pelsemaeker of Valeo. This company, in collaboration with Paris taxi company G7, has equipped around twenty taxis with sensitive measuring equipment in the air intake vent. Unlike static metering equipment (Paris has only 15 measuring points), the use of taxis with measuring equipment provides a real-time, local and much more accurate picture of air pollution – even where there is no fixed measuring equipment. The company would like to extend the cooperation with the taxi sector. And not just in Paris. (© 2018 TaxiIntelligence).
- De Pelsemaeker: “Unlike static metering equipment, the use of taxis with measuring equipment provides a real-time, local and much more accurate picture of air pollution.”