Comparing pre- and post-pandemic greenhouse gas and noise emissions from road traffic in Rome (Italy): a multi-step approach

Abstract This study presents the results of a traffic simulation analysis and emissions (greenhouse gas and noise) assessment comparing pre-pandemic (2019) and post-pandemic (2022) periods. The estimation of road traffic demand is based on conventional data sources and floating car data; next, the traffic simulation procedure was performed providing road network traffic volumes, which are the input for the emission models. The diffusion of teleworking, e-commerce, as well as the digitization of many processes, services and activities, lead to a significant change in urban mobility. Results show a significant though still not complete resumption of commuters travel activity (−10% compared to pre-pandemic period) in the morning peak-hour. This translates into an 11% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a 0.1% increase in noise emissions.