Johannesburg, South Africa — A study by The Real Urban Emissions (True) Initiative has linked pollution from older vehicles to 500 premature deaths in Johannesburg. Conducted between July and September 2025, the study recorded over 250,000 vehicle exhaust measurements at 11 sites across the city. Older petrol passenger cars registered before 2006 accounted for just 4% of the fleet but were responsible for up to 24% of measured emissions of pollutants.
Diesel minibuses, on the other hand, emitted up to 18 times more particulate matter and 44 times more nitrogen oxides than petrol equivalents.
The findings highlight the disproportionate impact of older vehicles on air quality and public health in Johannesburg.
The city has been addressing significant air pollution issues, primarily due to the high number of older vehicles and diesel — powered minibus taxis on the roads.
These vehicles contribute disproportionately to the city’s air pollution levels, posing a serious threat to public health.
The Real Urban Emissions (True) Initiative report states that residents of central and southern Johannesburg face disproportionately high exposure to harmful vehicle emissions. Older petrol minibus taxis, representing 8% of the fleet, produced more than four times the average CO emissions of newer models.
In response to the growing air pollution crisis, the South African government is targeting the introduction of the Clean Fuels 2 programme to address the issue.
The Clean Fuels 2 (CF2) regulation aims to improve air quality by modernising the country’s petrol and diesel specifications, bringing them closer to international standards.
The programme is scheduled for implementation in July 2027, though it has faced several delays since its initial announcement more than a decade ago.
The study’s findings have raised concerns about the need for stricter regulations on vehicle emissions in Johannesburg. Experts argue that the city needs to prioritise the phase-out of older, high-polluting vehicles and invest in public transportation alternatives to reduce reliance on private cars. They also call for increased enforcement of existing regulations and the promotion of cleaner, more sustainable transportation options.
The pollution crisis in Johannesburg serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for sustainable urban planning and environmental policies.
As the city continues to grow and attract new residents, it is crucial that efforts are made to mitigate the negative impacts of air pollution on public health and the environment.
The findings of the study by The Real Urban Emissions (True) Initiative provide a clear roadmap for action, and it is now up to the government, businesses, and communities to work together to tackle this pressing issue.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Google News v2
