Reduce traffic congestion

UHIs are largely caused by car and truck traffic. Cities clearly benefit from limiting their use, which also lessens air pollution and the severity of UHI. Less heat is absorbed by lighter-colored automobiles. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, dark-colored vehicles obviously outweigh the advantages of lighter-colored pavement.

However, any move to decrease the use of automobiles is met with opposition right once, particularly in the United States. There, in major cities, it is typical to be stuck in traffic for well into the end of the workday, and any decision made by the government to ban the use of dark colors for cars would be received with cries of protest about violations of individual liberties. The temperatures of UHIs would be quickly lowered by reducing the usage of automobiles, but this is unlikely to happen anytime soon.

It is a proven scientific fact that vehicle emissions increase in hot weather and contribute more to air pollution and UHIs. In order to lessen the impact of UHIs, it is therefore important to reduce traffic congestion. Without limiting the number of vehicles on the road, there are various ways to relieve congestion. These techniques are being researched and, in some cases, used in the UK.