Pan-European poll: 3 out of 4 Europeans demand regulation to reduce air pollution from road transport

Press Release – 7 September 2022 – PARIS and BRUSSELS

Newly-released polling from polling institute OpinionWays, conducted on behalf of Tallano Technologies, finds that Europeans are highly concerned about the health impacts of air pollution from road transport. The opinion poll, carried out in June 2022 in five EU Member States (Germany, France, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands), assessed public perceptions of air pollution, and transport-related air pollution in particular. The survey also investigated public expectations for legislation and regulation that would help reduce transport-related air pollution.

The survey found that the vast majority of Europeans are worried about outdoor air pollution and its negative impact on health and the environment. The majority of respondents believe that the transport sector is one of the main sources of air pollutionr. However, most respondents feel underinformed about the sources and types of pollutants from transport.

Key findings

• At least 80% of Europeans polled are concerned about the risks associated with outdoor air quality. The concern is the highest in Italy (91%), followed by France and Belgium (83%), the Netherlands (79%) and Germany (72%).
• Some 75% of the survey respondents are in favour of European, national, regional/local policymakers introducing regulation that helps improve air quality and combat fine particle emissions from road vehicles.

• In Italy, this figure peaks at 88% and in France at 77%. Citizens in the other countries surveyed are at similar levels, with 75% of Germans, 74% of Belgians and 73% of Dutch citizens in favour of regulations to limit air pollution and combat fine particle emissions from petrol, diesel and electric vehicles.

• Younger citizens are particularly supportive of the introduction of these regulations, with the 18-24 and 25-34 categories being the most supportive (81% in favour in France).
• 80% of respondents were in favour of a ban on vehicles with negative environmental and public health impact.
• Respondents reported a lack of information about air pollution and fine particle emissions. On average, only one in two Europeans surveyed feel well informed about the health risks linked to air pollution and fine particle emissions from vehicles.

The polling comes as the European Commission prepares to present a proposal to set new emissions standards for cars, vans, lorries and busses (Euro 7) on 12 October, and provides a strong and timely mandate to political decision makers in the European Union to take action and regulate road transport pollution.

During the pandemic, air pollution has risen to prominence as a key health and environmental issue, which has led to a flurry of regulations from the European Commission, including the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and a ban on Internal Combustion Engine vehicles by 2035. However, important pollutants from non-exhaust sources continue to go unregulated. Despite the fact that 80% of Europeans are concerned about the risks associated with outdoor air quality, primary pollutants like particulate matter emissions from brake & tyre wear are unregulated.

Based on the findings of this poll, Tallano Technologies urges policymakers to take swift action, particularly via the much-delayed Euro 7 emissions standards, which should reflect Europeans’ concerns about all forms of fine particle pollution stemming from vehicles – including non-exhaust emissions, which currently fall outside of the scope of EU regulations.  

Methodology

Survey conducted from June 3 to 13, 2022 in France among a sample of 1001 individuals representative of the population aged 18 and over; from June 8 to 14, 2022 in Germany among a sample of 1000 individuals representative of the population aged 18 and over; from June 8 to 14, 2022 in Italy with a sample of 1001 individuals representative of the population aged 18 and over; from June 8 to 14, 2022 in the Netherlands with a sample of 1003 individuals representative of the population aged 18 and over; from June 10 to 14, 2022 in Belgium with a sample of 1002 individuals representative of the population aged 18 and over.

About OpinionWay

Founded in March 2000, OpinionWay is a pioneer in the digitalization of research. It innovates in marketing and opinion research and develops agile approaches (online panels, digital communities, data hybridization and social media intelligence).
Born in France and able to operate on five continents, OpinionWay has offices in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), Eastern Europe (Poland) and Sub-Saharan Africa (Ivory Coast). The Group is involved in understanding audiences, markets, and brands; in product and service research, for clients developing in France and internationally with BtoB and BtoC targets. OpinionWay is an active member of Esomar, certified since 2009 ISO 20252 by AFNOR and member of CroissancePlus.

About Tallano Technologies
Founded in 2012 and directed by Christophe Rocca-Serra, the clean tech Tallano Technologies is an engineering company that offers an innovative solution to capture at source the fine particles generated by vehicle braking. Aware of the public health problem that these emissions represent for the body and the environment, Tallano Technologies’ ambition is to revolutionize the way the automotive industry and public transport operators fight against fine particles emissions.
Tallano Technologies is actively supported by investors from the industry and the transportation sector.

Media contact:

Jan Hromadko
jan.hromadko@teneo.com
+32 474 982 690