Over 1,000 Lives Saved Annually as London Implements Ultra Low Emission Zone

London has witnessed a substantial decrease in air pollution since the expansion of its Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), according to a recent report.

The city has registered drops of 27% in nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and 31% in PM2.5 particulate matter, two of the most harmful pollutants from vehicular emissions.

This significant decline is attributed to ULEZ, which was first implemented in 2019 under Mayor Sadiq Khan and later expanded in 2021 and 2023, now encompassing all of Greater London, home to approximately 9 million residents.

The city has registered drops of 27% in nitrogen dioxide

The ULEZ requires non-compliant vehicles to pay a daily charge of £12.50 (~$16), aimed at reducing pollution levels and improving public health. As the report highlights, the initiative has likely saved over a thousand lives annually, particularly benefiting communities traditionally affected by poor air quality.

For instance, in deprived areas, there has been an impressive 80% reduction in exposure to illegal pollution levels, showing the tangible impact of the policy on vulnerable populations.

In a notable shift in transportation trends, between June 2023 and September 2024, the number of non-compliant vehicles on London roads decreased by 58%.

This change reflects growing acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) as a viable alternative; it is projected that nearly 30% of cars sold in the UK in 2024 will be electric. The scrappage scheme, which helped remove over 15,000 older vehicles from the roads, contributed to this transformation.

London’s successful ULEZ model echoes strategies employed in other major cities, like New York, where congestion pricing is being implemented to manage pollution and traffic congestion. While opposition exists—especially from pro-pollution advocates—the overall public support suggests a growing recognition of the need for cleaner urban environments.