Analysis of Factors Driving the Acceptability of a Low Emission Zone

Background In many cities worldwide, a Low Emission Zone has been introduced with the aim to improve livability of urban areas and foster sustainable mobility habits. However, a limited or absent public support has proven to hinder the implementation of such intervention or negatively impact its effectiveness. Objective This paper aims to understand factors prompting and hindering acceptability of a Low Emission Zone in a medium-sized city. Methods The study area was the city of Padova (Italy), where a potential future shift from the current limited traffic zone toward a Low Emission Zone was investigated. A mobility questionnaire administered to stakeholders of the intervention area. Data collected were used as input of an integrated set of statistical models. A factor analysis was implemented to highlight the underlying structure of respondents’ opinion about the Low Emission Zone. A cluster analysis was used to define stakeholders' profiles, and an ordinal logit model was developed to identify factors affecting the support of the new regulation. Results Results pointed out profiles of both supporters and opposers to the measure. To effectively improve public support, potential benefits of the current Limited Traffic Zone and how the Low Emission Zone aims to enhance them could be highlighted. As expected, the highest opposition could stem from car users, who should be targeted with specific strategies to increase their acceptability level. Conclusions The analysis highlighted how policy makers and local authorities can foster the widest support of the new Low Emission Zone and thus broadening its potential benefits.