New research released by the University of Bath has shown that both London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) have delivered a series of improvements to public health, as well as the local economy as a whole.
The University study, which was published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, found that the implementation of the two zones in 2008 and 2019 respectively has led to a reduction in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10).
As a result of the drop in harmful emissions, Greater London has, when compared to areas in England without low emission zones, seen an overall reduction of 18.5% in sick leave, a 6.8% drop in the incidence of health problems and a 10.2% decrease in respiratory issues, leading to savings of more than 37 million GBP in public health.
Professor Eleonora Fichera from the University’s Department of Economics and Centre for 21st Century Public Health said:These policies are not just environmental wins. They’re also reducing labour market absenteeism and improving Londoners’ life satisfaction. Clean air makes for healthier, happier, more productive communities.
The study, which employed experimental methodology, analysed changes in affected and unaffected areas before and after the rollout of the low-emission policies, with data showing decreases in the aforementioned pollutatns following the introduction of the LEZ in 2008, and further still following the implementation of the ULEZ in 2019.
Dr Habtamu Beshir, who led the research at the University of Bath and is now based at UCL, said:Our work shows that clean air policy is smart policy. It protects health, saves money, and enhances quality of life - making the case for clean air initiatives stronger than ever.
