People in London have been breathing air significantly cleaner since the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), research found.
The levels of lethal pollutants associated with a wide range of health issues, from cancer to impaired lung development, heart attacks and premature birth, have been reduced, bringing the greatest improvements in the most disadvantaged regions of the capital.
Sadiq Khan faced serious opposition to the expansion of Ulez to the outside Borough of London in 2023. However, with the report being released on Friday, the mayor of London said the plan had reduced pollution, removed old contamination vehicles from the road, and vacuumed more people.
He states: “When I was first elected, the evidence shows that if current efforts continue, it will take 193 years to bring London's air pollution within legal restrictions. However, our transformational policies are making us closer to achieving that this year.”
Some outer London Councils failed legal challenges on Ulez rollout, with Kiel's stage denouncement of workers' defeat in Ruislip and Uxbridge's biselection, and called on Khan to “reflect” his plans.
However, Friday's report was issued by the Greater London authorities, including findings that were extensively reviewed by a group of independent experts, and said Ures had a positive impact and London's air quality has improved across the board at a faster rate than in other regions.
This report covers the first year since the zone expansion and is the maximum analysis of its impacts conducted so far.
Khan said: “While the decision to expand Ures was not something I underestimated, this report shows that it is suitable for the health of all Londoners. It was important to protect the health of Londoners, support the growth of children's lungs, and reduce the risk of people developing many other health issues related to asthma, lung cancer and air pollution.”
The report found that London's air quality is improving at a faster rate than in other parts of England. This is said to be particularly noteworthy outside of London. There, concentrations have improved more rapidly in recent years, and now resemble the averages in other parts of England.
The amount of climate-acquiring gas has been significantly reduced, and carbon footprint is equivalent to a one-way trip near 3m between Heathrow and New York.
Maria Neira, director of environment, climate change and health at the World Health Organization (WHO), praised London's efforts, saying it “contributes to a healthier, more sustainable urban environment.”
She said: “Improved air quality through initiatives like ULEZ is important to protect public health and reduce the burden of illness. Cleaner air leads to healthier communities, lower rates of respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and improved quality of life for all residents.”
I also found a report from Friday:
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Nitrogen Nitrogen Dioxide on the Roadside (No2) The levels of toxic gases that exacerbate asthma, interfere with lung development and increase the risk of lung cancer have fallen by 27% across London since the introduction of Urez in 2019.
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Small particle emissions (PM2.5) from vehicle exhausts were 31% lower outside of London than in 2024 if the virus had not expanded in 2023.
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Since 2019, 99% of London's monitoring sites have improved air quality.
The first section of the London Whres Scheme began in 2019 in the central part of the city. The zone was expanded throughout London's interior borough in 2021 and again in August 2023 to cover the entire capital.
Under the rules, most contaminated vehicles usually have to pay a bill of £12.50 per day. A small number of vehicles on the road are affected, with most gasoline vehicles under the age of 19 and diesel vehicles under the age of 9 being exempt. The latest figures show that 97% of vehicles in the capital are currently compliant and do not pay anything.
The premature deaths of around 4,000 people per year in London were previously attributed to air pollution. Research shows that toxic air affects all organs in the body, increasing the risk of developing a wide range of health problems, ranging from asthma to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, cognitive development in children and dementia.
The report found that some of London's poorest communities experience some of the greatest benefits. It has been found that in 2023, the most disadvantaged communities living near London's busiest roads, people exposed to illegal levels of pollution have fallen by an estimated 80%.
“We are pleased to announce that we are a great opportunity to help you,” said Dr. Gary Fler, a Clean Air expert at Imperial College London and chairman of the Ures Advisory Group. This is good news for Londoners who travel to London for their current and future health, as well as for those who travel to London for work and leisure. ”
Simon Burkett, Director The clean air of London The campaign is particularly fun [that the report] We've once again shown that these big solutions work. ”
He states: “In fact, along with related measures such as clean buses and taxis, they help London reduce nitrogen dioxide concentrations by two-thirds near busy roads, almost complying with legal restrictions and the 2005 WHO air quality guidelines.
