Simple reminders and driver commitments increased speed limit compliance from 16% to 63%, cutting harmful dust particles by up to 29%.
Speeding trucks on unpaved construction roads stir up large amounts of dust, posing serious health risks. Truck movement can contribute up to 50% of PM10 emissions—fine dust particles small enough to enter the lungs— on-site (Giunta et al. 2019). Yet on many sites, speed limits are ignored due to weak enforcement and low awareness.
At the Gurugram (part of the National Capital Region) pilot site—an active Indian construction zone grappling with air quality concerns—only 16% of heavy-duty vehicle drivers followed the 10 km/h speed limit. With no reminders from guards, dust control wasn’t seen as a priority.
To reduce dust, a simple strategy was introduced: guards were trained to verbally remind incoming truck drivers about the 10 km/h speed limit and explain its role in improving air quality. Posters reinforced the message visually, and drivers were invited to voluntarily commit to following the rules.
Why did it work? People are more likely to comply when reminded by someone credible,when they actively commit to a behaviour, and when consequences are made concrete. Guards fit this role perfectly, reinforcing site rules with authority and clarity. This approach combined salient cues, social reinforcement, and personal accountability.
The results: This low-cost nudge raised compliance from 16% to 63%. As trucks slowed down, dust pollution dropped–PM10 by 11%, PM2.5 by 29%—regardless of weather conditions.
The business case: Less dust means healthier workers, fewer sick days, and stronger regulatory compliance—all achieved with minimal investment and no new infrastructure required.
Do you know of any other nudges that reduce construction site pollution and thus cut health costs?
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From the Clean Air team at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), Delhi: Arvind Kumar (behavioural science), Dr. Mohammed Sahbaz Ahmed (air quality modelling), Dr. Arpan Patra (urban pollution compliance), Sandeep Narang (sustainable construction), and Dr. Abhishek Kar (Senior Programme Lead). The team combines behavioural science, air quality modelling, and on-ground interventions to tackle urban air pollution—from construction dust to transportation emissions.
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