New research from the University of Bath has revealed that Greater London’s Low Emission Zone (LEZ) and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are providing measurable public health and economic benefits.
The study found that there was a 18.5% reduction in sick leave following LEZ implementation and a 10.2% decrease in respiratory issues – both of which equated to an annual public health savings of more than £37m.
The study, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization which analysed over a decade of data from Greater London and Central London, found that the introduction of the LEZ in 2008 and the ULEZ in 2019 significantly reduced harmful pollutants.
These included nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and particulate matter (PM10), their reduction resulting in a dramatic drop in sick leave in Greater London, and improved mental well-being and substantial cost savings.
The study employed a quasi-experimental method, analysing changes in affected and unaffected areas before and after policy rollout.
The research also provided a range of key findings in Greater London compared to areas in England without low emission zones:
- 18.5% reduction in sick leave following LEZ implementation
- 6.8% drop in the incidence of health problems
- 10.2% decrease in respiratory issues
Bath University reported that the data showed that when LEZ was tightened in Phase 2 (July 2008), NO₂ levels dropped by 5.8% and PM10 by 9.7%.
ULEZ saw even greater results with NO₂ down 21% and PM10 down 15% estimated by comparing Central London to other areas outside Greater London, before and after ULEZ was introduced.
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.”
Achievements and innovations in air quality will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
