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The CALPUFF modelling system was used to predict dispersion of contaminants emitted from industrial, naval and vehicular sources in the Strait of Messina area (Italy). This region is of particular interest in that it relates to the construction of the Messina Bridge, the road infrastructure linking the Italian mainland and Sicily. The domain includes two cities, i.e., Messina and Reggio Calabria, and other urban complexes located mainly along the shoreline. One of the main problems encountered during the investigation was the lack of data regarding vehicular emissions. Therefore, an indirect method was developed, and the data of the urban air quality monitoring stations of the two cities were considered during the procedure. The results show a good agreement with measures at receptors. The method seems to give a valid alternative when network traffic data are not available in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]