London air quality improves after expansion of levy on polluting cars, says report

By Sam Tabahriti

LONDON (Reuters) - Toxic gas emissions in London fell by 27% following a 2023 expansion of the city's clean air zone, which imposes a levy on the most polluting vehicles, a report from the mayor's office said on Friday.

London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was first introduced in 2019 by mayor Sadiq Khan as a scheme to cut traffic emissions and then expanded in August 2023 despite strong opposition from those who said it would exacerbate a cost of living crisis.

The expansion brought an extra five million people into the scope of the 12.50 pound daily charge ($16.14) for those who drive older and more polluting vehicles.

Friday's report, which looked at how the ULEZ affected emissions in the city in the year to September 2024, found the expansion had led to a 27% fall in levels of nitrogen dioxide

Nitrogen dioxide, formed from gases emitted by car engines burning fuel, is a toxic gas that may contribute to the development of asthma, delay children's lungs development and increase the risk of lung cancer.

"The decision to expand the ULEZ was not something I took lightly, but this report shows it was the right one for the health of all Londoners," Khan said.

The report also said that since 2019 air quality had improved in 99% of the locations in London where it was monitored.

The charge remains a focal point for many residents' anger at what they see as the high cost of living and working in and around the city. Protesters have targeted hundreds of cameras installed to enforce the expansion.

($1 = 0.7747 pounds)

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James)