Evidence reveals ULEZ expansion brings cleaner air

A new report from London's City Hall has revealed that the expansion to the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has led to substantial improvements in air quality in outer London and across the capital.

Particle emissions (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts are estimated to be 31 per cent lower in outer London in 2024 than they would have been without the ULEZ expansion. NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) emissions from cars and vans are also estimated to be 14 per cent lower in outer London.

The biggest reductions in NO2 levels have been in central London (54%) and there have also been substantial reductions in inner London (29%) and outer London (24%).

The boroughs that have seen the biggest reductions in NOx emissions are Sutton, Merton, Croydon, Harrow and Bromley, where harmful emissions are estimated to be around 15 per cent lower in 2024 than would be expected without the expansion to outer London.

The world’s first 24-hour Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was introduced in central London in April 2019. It was expanded across inner London in 2021, and to cover the whole capital In August 2023.

Previously, around 4,000 premature deaths per year in London were attributed to toxic air.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “When I was first elected, evidence showed it would take 193 years to bring London's air pollution within legal limits if the current efforts continued. However, due to our transformative policies we are now close to achieving it this year. Today’s report shows that ULEZ works, driving down levels of pollution, taking old polluting cars off our roads and bringing cleaner air to millions more Londoners.

“The decision to expand the ULEZ was not something I took lightly, but this report shows it was the right one for the health of all Londoners. It has been crucial to protect the health of Londoners, support children's lung growth, and reduce the risk of people developing asthma, lung cancer and a host of other health issues related to air pollution.

“With boroughs in outer London seeing some of the biggest reductions in harmful emissions and London’s deprived communities also seeing greater benefits, this report shows why expanding ULEZ London-wide was so important.

“Thanks to ULEZ and our other policies, all Londoners are now breathing substantially cleaner air - but there is still more to do, and I promise to keep taking action as we build a greener, fairer London for everyone.”

Dr Maria Neira, director, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization: "Improving air quality through initiatives like the Ultra Low Emission Zone in London is crucial for protecting public health and reducing the burden of disease. Cleaner air leads to healthier communities, lower rates of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, and a better quality of life for all residents. The World Health Organization commends the efforts of cities like London in implementing measures to reduce emissions from vehicles and improve air quality, which ultimately contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment."