In this paper we consider the problem of estimating emissions due to vehicular traffic on complex networks, and minimizing their effect by regulating traffic at junctions. For the traffic evolution, we consider a Generic Second Order Model, which encompasses the majority of two-equations (i.e., second-order) models available in the literature, and extend it to road networks with merge and diverge junctions. The dynamics on the whole network is determined by selecting a solution to the Riemann Problems at junctions, i.e., the Cauchy problems with constant initial data on each incident road. The latter are solved by assuming the maximization of the flow and assigning a traffic distribution coefficient for outgoing roads of diverges, and a priority rule for incoming roads of merges. A general emission model is considered and its parameters are tuned to the $\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ emission rate. The minimization of emissions is then formulated in terms of the traffic distribution and priority parameters, taking into account travel times. A comparison is provided between roundabouts with optimized parameters and traffic lights, which correspond to time-varying traffic priorities. Our approach can be adapted to manage traffic in complex networks in order to reduce emissions while keeping travel time at acceptable levels.

In this paper we propose a multiscale traffic model, based on the family of Generic Second Order Models, which integrates multiple trajectory data into the velocity function. This combination of a second order macroscopic model with microscopic information allows us to reproduce significant variations in speed and acceleration that strongly influence traffic emissions. We obtain accurate approximations even with a few trajectory data. The proposed approach is therefore a computationally efficient and highly accurate tool for calculating macroscopic traffic quantities and estimating emissions.