Are motorway canopies a worthwhile expense?

“Using canopies is definitely a plausible idea. We have seen similar schemes to deal with noise pollution in Australia, using canopies and elaborate fence designs to reduce noise for local residents.

“It is important to have the data to understand the pollution levels and where the biggest issues are. This is now feasible with sensors. We are now seeing noise and nitrogen dioxide sensors that can be attached to street lights. Once highways agencies and highways departments within local councils understand this they can then plan what type of schemes are required and where.

“Pollution can perhaps be more effectively controlled at source by providing innovative, sustainable and futureproof modes of transport, and that’s likely to happen soon with more electric vehicles starting to hit the road. We also need to make sure that the authorities are considering how the actual road network will cope with increased traffic in the near future.

“Given the government’s recent statements that no petrol or diesel cars will be allowed in 2040, this will obviously negate the need for these canopies as electric vehicles are non-polluting (generally speaking), so what needs to be understood is what the cost of these canopies is, the benefit to residents and how this extrapolates to 2040 in terms of cost versus benefit.”