The Mayor of London has unveiled compelling evidence showing marked improvements in air quality throughout the city following the first year of the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). This initiative, launched to curtail vehicle emissions, is credited for significant reductions in harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5).
According to the City Hall report, roadside NO2 levels have plunged by 27% due to the ULEZ expansion, with PM2.5 emissions from vehicles down by 31% across outer London. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) emanations from cars and vans are reported to have decreased by approximately 14%, marking substantial progress for the initiative known for its role in tackling air quality issues.
These improvements are particularly evident within central London, where NO2 reductions were recorded at 54%, alongside 29% and 24% reductions observed in inner and outer London, respectively. Boroughs such as Sutton, Merton, Croydon, Harrow, and Bromley reported reductions estimated at 15% lower than anticipated without the expansion of ULEZ, demonstrating the initiative’s impactful reach.
Cumulatively, London’s NOx emissions from road transport have seen a 36% decrease, which equates to about 3,400 tonnes of emissions saved. Such reductions are pivotal, as air pollution is linked to approximately 4,000 premature deaths annually within the capital. The report also highlighted major health hazards associated with pollutants like NO2 and PM2.5, including increased risks of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular conditions, particularly among deprived communities living near busy roadways.
Advances are also seen through the ULEZ compliance rates, with 96.7% of vehicles now meeting the emission standards as of 2024, up from 91.6% just six months prior. A notable increase was marked by the compliance of vans in outer London, exceeding 90% for the first time. The Mayor’s scrappage scheme, which allocated around £200 million for Londoners transitioning to cleaner vehicles, has also significantly contributed to this upward trend.
More than 54,700 applications for vehicle scrappage have been approved, with many older, more polluting vehicles removed from the roads. An independent analysis suggested these changes have not only contributed to improved air quality but have also uplifted local economies. Visitor numbers to outer London reportedly grew by nearly 2% across the year following the ULEZ expansion, countering worries about potential negative impacts on retail and leisure spending.
The Mayor’s office and Transport for London (TfL) continue to pursue additional measures to reinforce these air quality improvements, such as the introduction of zero-emission buses. Currently, there are 1,900 such buses operating across London. The city is making strides at combating air pollution more rapidly than other areas of England, as the pollution levels observed match national averages. Authorities remain committed to taking action to sustain and build on these positive changes.
Caroline Russell, Islington’s Assembly Member, lauded the progression toward cleaner air, urging all Londoners to “ditch cars for good.” She expressed optimism about the new findings, highlighting long-standing public health advocacy themes voiced by groups like Clean Air London and Mums for Lungs, stressing the need for city-wide measures from the beginning.
Russell noted, “It’s a shame it took so long,” recalling the tragic case of Ella Adoo, whose death was linked to pollution; children like her remain at heightened risk due to air quality issues.
Mayor Sadiq Khan stated, “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 pivotal for protecting health, supporting children’s lung growth, and reducing the health risks associated with air pollution.” This asserts his commitment to securing healthy living conditions for city residents amid reported increases in compliance and reductions of harmful emissions.
While some boroughs expressed displeasure over the initiatives, labeling the expansion of ULEZ as “a one size fits all lunacy,” Khan has maintained the positive impacts of his policies. Independent assessments corroborate the beneficial effects of ULEZ, demonstrating tangible health improvements.
London continues to face challenges, but the momentum created by these changes has become integral to future public health and environmental strategies. The recent findings exemplify significant progress, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to mitigate air pollution across the capital. With skepticism still around associated public costs, authorities encourage Londoners to embrace sustainable practices and prioritizing cleaner air for future generations.