Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution

Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.

1 minute read

March 10, 2025, 9:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of green ULEZ sign in London, UK.

tktktk / Adobe Stock

London’s ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) is resulting in cleaner air in all parts of the city, according to a report from London City Hall reviewed by independent experts.

An article in Smart Cities World explains that the study shows reduced particle emissions, with the biggest reductions in central London (54 percent) and a 24 percent reduction in outer London, in the ULEZ expansion zone.

“Thanks to all phases of the Ulez, NOx emissions from road transport are estimated to be 36 per cent lower across London in 2024, a saving of around 3400 tonnes – the equivalent of approximately one year of emissions from all passenger car trips in Los Angeles.” The reductions are speeding up a process that was expected to take up to 200 years; instead, London could reach its air pollution cleanup goals this year.

The ULEZ has not reduced business or foot traffic — in fact, foot traffic increased by almost 2 percent in outer London. The report also shows that Londoners are quickly switching to cleaner, ULEZ-compliant vehicles. London vans are now 90.7 percent compliant. “In February 2017, just 12 per cent of vans met the Ulez standards, demonstrating the schemes’ impact on reducing the number of more polluting older vans driving in London.”

Monday, March 10, 2025 in Smart Cities World

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

7 hours ago - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

April 9 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine