Air pollution
Motor vehicles, aircraft and ships contribute to air pollution in Durban through emissions of substances such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and lead. Although this impact has not been quantified, it does contribute to air quality problems in areas such as the South Industrial Basin where there are high traffic densities and large scale industrialisation coupled with poor air circulation.

Noise pollution
Road and air traffic generates high noise levels which can be particularly disruptive in residential areas. Flight paths to the Durban International Airport traverse densely populated residential areas in the South Industrial Basin resulting in excessive noise in the area. Rail shunting activities in the port and other areas in the Durban Metropolitan Area also contribute to noise pollution, particularly in the late hours of the evening and early morning when other sources of noise are reduced .

Water pollution
Contaminated run off from roads pollutes groundwater, rivers and the sea. With the increase in road freight traffic has come an increase in the transportation of hazardous substances by road. Coupled with this is the inevitable increase in road tanker accidents and spillage which can result in severe pollution of watercources. Marine pollution - oil, sewerage and solid waste also occurs as a result of shipping activities. Oil spills at the offshore mooring buoy have also been recorded when ships load and offload their cargo.

Modification and occupation of land
The construction of transportation infrastructure, which includes roads, rails, bridges, airports and harbours results in extensive modification to the natural environment. For example, the construction of Durban International Airport resulted in the destruction of an extensive wetland area. The construction of the Durban Port resulted in the destruction of large mangrove communities in Durban Bay. Areas of land occupied by roads not only destroy all natural land cover and change drainage patterns but also reduce the land available for other uses.