A 100-metre test section of road in Rotterdam has been re-surfaced with a new kind of asphalt. Engineer Richard Ruijtendeek believes Rotterdam is the first city in the world to use this special form of "very open asphalt concrete"(ZOAB).

The surface uses rainwater to trap and divert particulate matter which would otherwise contribute to air pollution. Rainwater from several buildings along the roadside is diverted into a reservoir below the road surface. It is then pumped across the road before emptying into the sewer system.
 

The new asphalt surface on the Westzeedijk is also expected reduce traffic noise by three decibels.
 

The Rotterdam public works department will be carrying out tests later this year and in the spring and summer of next year. If the test is successful - the predicted reduction in particulate matter pollution is 8 percent - the city plans to re-surface all its roads which have 50 km/hour speed limits.
 

Last year, research by Statistics Netherlands revealed that Rotterdam has the largest percentage of residents in the country with health problems caused by particulate matter.