Since the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expanded in August 2023, air pollution in London, especially in outer areas, has dropped significantly, a new study shows.
ULEZ, introduced in 2019, aims to reduce air pollution and improve the city's air quality. By August 2023, the zone covered 5 million people, with its reach extending across the capital.
But the expansion hasn’t been without criticism. While Mayor Sadiq Khan calls it essential for cleaner air, many Londoners are worried about the £12.50 daily charge, particularly with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Despite these concerns, the results are clear: ULEZ is helping improve the health of Londoners. A report from City Hall found that particle emissions (PM2.5) in outer London will be 31% lower in 2024 due to the expansion. Nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from cars and vans are down by 14%. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels have also dropped sharply, with central London seeing a 54% decrease and reductions in inner (29%) and outer London (24%).
In outer boroughs like Sutton, Merton, and Croydon, NOx emissions are expected to be 15% lower in 2024 compared to what they'd have been without ULEZ. This is thanks to the zone now covering 1,250 km² of outer London.
Across the city, road transport NOx emissions have dropped by 36% in 2024, saving around 3,400 tonnes – the same as all passenger car trips in Los Angeles for an entire year.
Additionally, ULEZ has helped cut carbon emissions, with policies saving the equivalent of nearly three million one-way flights between Heathrow and New York.
The areas that benefit most are often the most deprived. In 2023, 80% of people living in these areas saw a reduction in exposure to illegal pollution levels, with outer London seeing 82% of residents benefiting from the ULEZ expansion.
Even with the economic concerns, independent data shows that ULEZ hasn't hurt footfall or spending in outer London, with visitor numbers up by almost 2% after the expansion.
Mayor Sadiq Khan stated, “When I was first elected, evidence showed it would take 193 years to bring London’s air pollution within legal limits if current efforts continued. But thanks to our transformative policies, we’re now on track to achieve it this year.
“Expanding the ULEZ was not a decision I took lightly, but this report proves it was the right one for the health of all Londoners. It’s crucial for protecting health, supporting children’s lung growth, and reducing the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and other pollution-related issues.”
“Thanks to ULEZ and our other policies, all Londoners are breathing cleaner air. But there’s more to do, and I promise to keep taking action as we build a greener, fairer London for everyone.”
As of September 2024, nearly 100,000 fewer non-compliant vehicles were on the road in London compared to June 2023, a 58% drop. The Mayor’s £200m scrappage scheme helped remove over 15,000 older vehicles.
The ULEZ is part of a broader effort to tackle London’s air pollution, which includes the addition of 1,900 zero-emission buses. Air quality has improved at 99% of monitoring sites since 2019, with 80% showing a major reduction in NO2 levels.
Thanks to ULEZ, London’s air is getting cleaner faster than the rest of England, particularly in outer areas where pollution levels now match the national average.
