ZAA study conducted by the University of Johannesburg’s Process, Energy & Environment Technology Station (UJ-PEETS) and the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) found that older vehicles, particularly petrol passenger cars registered before 2006 and older petrol minibuses, contribute disproportionately to air pollution in Johannesburg. The research, part of the TRUE Initiative, used remote sensing technology to measure emissions from over 250,000 vehicles across 11 sites in the city during July to September 2025. It revealed that these older vehicles emit significantly higher levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOX), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM). The study linked transportation-related emissions to hundreds of premature deaths and new pediatric asthma cases in Johannesburg and surrounding areas. The findings highlight the disproportionate impact of aging vehicle fleets, especially in central and southern Johannesburg where public transport reliance is high.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from a scientific study without overtly promoting any political agenda. While the issue of air pollution and vehicle regulation has political implications, the reporting focuses on empirical findings rather than advocating for specific policies or parties. The tone,
