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What is the traffic behavior of Slovak households?
25. 08. 2025
Mobility
The Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute (SHMI), in cooperation with the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, has launched a statistical survey focused on the traffic behavior of Slovak residents. The aim of the survey is to collect input data necessary to improve the emission inventory of selected pollutants and greenhouse gases from the transport sector. The survey is conducted as part of the LIFE IP – Air Quality Improvement project.
Road transport, as a significant source of air pollution, contributes to increased concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOX) and particulate matter (PM) in the air, particularly in urban areas. Pollutants from transport are also precursors to ground-level ozone (O3) and pose health risks to humans.
Despite measures such as catalytic converters, emission inspections, and the use of hybrid and electric vehicles, reductions in traffic-related emissions over the last 20 years have not been as significant as in other sectors (e.g., energy and industry). On the contrary, the number of passenger and freight vehicles is increasing, and roads are heavily congested, especially during morning and evening hours (commutes to schools and work). High pollutant concentrations are observed near roads with heavy traffic, busy intersections, and parking areas. Increased dust levels along roads are also contributed to by winter salting and tire wear.
The survey aims to collect information from households on the number of personal vehicles, technical specifications, usage, and maintenance of the most frequently used vehicle, as well as households’ willingness to switch to alternative fuels or public transport.
The target population includes individuals aged 18 to 75 who reside in private households in Slovakia at the time of data collection. The one-time survey runs from July to November 2025 and is conducted through face-to-face interviews with randomly selected households.
The Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic contacts the selected households in writing – with a letter informing them of their inclusion in the survey, providing the interviewer’s name (a responsible officer from the Statistical Office), and including email and phone contact information, along with the scheduled date of the visit.
After processing, the results will be communicated by the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute on the Emissions and Biofuels Department website: https://oeab.shmu.sk/
The SHMI thanks all respondents for participating in the survey, as they help to understand societal problems and provide high-quality, reliable information. This contributes to solutions and positive changes. The data will be used not only to improve transport infrastructure but also as a key input for modeling traffic emissions and assessing their impact on air quality.
