Assessing the effects of short-term traffic restriction policies on traffic-related air pollutants

The implementation of short-term traffic restriction policies (TRPs) during major events positively influences the traffic emission reduction. However, few studies explore the impact of diesel vehicle emissions on air quality during short-term TRP. In particular, the intertwined influences of short-term TRP and Spring Festival remains unclear. Based on Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal changes in urban air quality and diesel vehicle emission during short-term TRP. The results showed that the TRPs and Spring Festival contributed equally to the improvement of air quality and reduction of diesel vehicle emissions. The “interruption-recovery” pattern of short-term TRPs is characterized by a longer duration and a slower decline/recovery rate. Additionally, the individual contribution rate of diesel vehicle emissions to urban air pollutants was 15–20 % higher than that of meteorological factors during short-term TRPs. [Display omitted] •Disentangle the intertwined influence of traffic restriction and Spring Festival•Cities are less resilient to the influence of traffic restriction policies.•Contribution of diesel vehicle emissions was 20 % higher than meteorological factors.•Diesel vehicle emissions contribute 30 %–35 % to the concentration of air pollutants.